From mobile apps to support groups on Second Life, Veterans have more technology than ever to support them while recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In the past, it wasn’t always easy for Veterans to get effective treatment for this often invisible war wound. Yet, many government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Veteran advocates are rallying for America’s heroes by providing free—and often anonymous—resources.
If you know of any free resources available to American veterans, we want to hear from you! Contact us at Veteran Central.
Information
They say information is power. This couldn’t be truer when dealing with an adversary like PTSD. Some Veterans may delay getting help because they believe the symptoms will “wear off” after they transition home. While some symptoms may lessen in intensity over time, it is also true that the condition can worsen without proper treatment. This is why Veterans must arm themselves with the truth about this sometimes deadly war wound. The following resources can tell you a little bit more about PTSD and PTSD treatment:
- National Center for PTSD Watch videos, read articles, and educate yourself about the symptoms and causes of PTSD.
- Accessing Benefits for PTSD This article, written by RealWarriors.net, describes a major shift in VA policy that makes it even easier to get treatment at VA Centers.
- T2 Virtual PTSD Experience This immersion experience lets Veterans interact with PTSD education material in practical ways in the virtual world, Second Life.
Self-Assessment
It can be hard to know if your symptoms are from the effects of transitioning home, or if they are a part of a larger physiological process. Free, anonymous online assessment tools can help you determine if you are at risk for PTSD:
- AfterDeployment.org PTSD Assessment This online PTSD assessment lets Veterans self-screen for PTSD. It also provides helpful online workshops and learning resources.
- Military Mental Health Screening Program This assessment program is anonymous and will help Veterans self-screen for PTSD and other invisible war wounds like anxiety and depression.
- PTSD Coach This mobile app provides educational materials, tools to screen and track symptoms, and resources to help Veterans manage stress.
- T2 Mood Tracker This mobile app helps Veterans track their emotional set-point over several days. Veterans can use this to keep track of their PTSD symptoms during recovery.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step in dealing with combat wounds such as PTSD. Veteran advocates have banded together to provide the following free counseling resources:
- Give an Hour This website connects Veterans with therapists that have donated their time to counseling Warriors and their Families for free.
- The Soldier’s Project This organization provides free, confidential counseling for Veterans and their Families.
Crisis Lines
It’s important to reach out for help when you or someone you love is in crisis. There are several hotlines and centers that offer 24/7 crisis assistance with no cost to the caller:
- Veterans Crisis Line (1.800.273.8255) This crisis line is sponsored by the Department of Veteran Affairs and provides confidential crisis help over the phone and also through online chat.
- PTSD Rapid Response Line (1.800.444.6006) This national crisis line provides confidential help to Veterans who need immediate intervention or support.
Support Groups
Getting support from your peers and community is a critical step in PTSD recovery. There are numerous online support groups that Veterans can join for community and support. Below is just a sample of some active support groups:
- U.S. Military Veterans This Veteran support group provides a place for Veterans to gather and socialize in the virtual world, Second Life.
- The Veterans Integrative Health and Wellness Forum This LinkedIn forum provides online discussions for Veterans looking for wellness resources for PTSD and other combat wounds.
- Operation Homefront’s Wounded Warrior Wives This group is an example of the support available on Facebook for wounded Veterans and their spouses.
- RealWarrior Discussion Forum This forum provides Veterans with the opportunity to discuss issues and support each other online.
- Combat Poetry Forum This public forum allows Veterans to express their combat experience through the power of poetry.