June is National PTSD Awareness Month

Last week, we shared our thoughts on the importance of seeking treatment and healing over the stigma of a “victim” mentality. June is National PTSD Awareness Month and now more than ever, it is vital to emphasize the resources and tools that VA has for Veterans who want to seek treatment for or think they may have post-traumatic stress disorder.

• PTSD Coach is a mobile app designed to help with education and self-management skills for PTSD. Available on both iPhones and Android devices, this was a joint effort between VA and the Department of Defense.
• AboutFace is an online video gallery dedicated to Veterans talking about how PTSD treatment affected their lives. You can find it on the National Center for PTSD’s website, a center operated by VA.
• Make the Connection is a web-based campaign aimed at reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health care by informing Veterans, their families, friends and members of their communities about VA resources.
• There is a free online course, Parenting for Servicemembers & Veterans, developed by VA and DoD, to provide military and Veteran parents with information and strategies to improve their parenting skills.
• Veterans can also chat live online with a crisis counselor 24/7 by visiting the Veterans Crisis Line website.

And while the many online tools are designed to make treatment convenient and easily, accessible, you can always access information via phone.

• Call 802-296-6300 for PTSD information voicemail.
• If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call the Veterans Crisis Line available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 (Spanish/Español 1-888-628-9454). Veterans, press “1” after you call.