-
-
MilLife Topics
- Military Life Cycle
- Family & Relationships
- Moving & Housing
- Back to Menu
- Moving & Housing
- Moving
- OCONUS Moves
- Housing
- Financial & Legal
- Education & Employment
- Health & Wellness
- Recreation, Travel & Shopping
- Service Providers & Leaders
National Guard
- Benefits & Resources
- Benefits
- Tools & Resources
- Back to Menu
- Tools & Resources
- MilLife Learning
- Podcasts
- Webinars
- Websites
- Mobile Apps
- Popular Tools & Resources
- MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
- Plan My Move
- Moving Personal Property
- Products
- I am a…
- Confidential Help
24/7/365 Access to Support
No matter where you serve or live, free and confidential help is available.
In Crisis?
Call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800−799−7233.
Log In
- 800-342-9647
- Call Us OCONUS
- Call Us TTY/TDD
- Live Chat
- About Us
-
Contact Military OneSource
Information and support for service members and their families. About the Call Center.
- 800-342-9647
- Call Us OCONUS
- Call Us TTY/TDD
- Additional Ways to Contact Us
PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury – The Essentials
Coping with the physical and emotional changes resulting from post-traumatic stress or a traumatic brain injury can be challenging, not only for the person with the diagnosis but also for family members and caregivers. While Military OneSource does not provide health care services, it can connect service members and their families with the appropriate resources for those diagnosed with PTSD or TBI.
Here are five things you should know about PTSD and TBI.
Recognizing combat stress and stress symptoms
Combat stress, also known as battle fatigue, is a common response to the mental and emotional strain when confronted with dangerous and traumatic situations. Key symptoms include irritability, headaches, depression, loss of appetite, problems sleeping and changes in personality or behavior.
Relevant Articles:
Relevant Resource:
Dealing with combat stress
Like an overused muscle, the brain of someone with combat stress needs to heal from too much exposure to trauma and stress. Recovery strategies include practicing relaxation techniques, getting adequate rest and working with a counselor to identify thoughts and behaviors that contribute to stress.
Relevant Articles:
Relevant Resources:
- Combat-Related Stress Reactions Webinar
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence
Distinguishing combat stress from post-traumatic stress disorder
Combat stress is often confused with PTSD, which can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like war, assault or disaster. While many of the symptoms are similar, combat stress and PTSD are different. Learn how to distinguish the two from each other.
Relevant Articles:
Relevant Resources:
- Combat-Related Stress Reactions Webinar
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence
Recovering from traumatic brain injury
TBIs vary from patient to patient but can involve, dizziness, memory problems difficulty focusing or seizures. The recovery process takes time. By educating yourself and your family members about the diagnosis and following the tips provided by Military OneSource, you may be able to aid your recovery.
Relevant Article:
Relevant Resource:
- Coping with Traumatic Brain Injury and Helping Families Adapt to Find Their New Balance Webinar
- Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans
Get Support for Healthy Living
If you or someone you know is suffering from combat stress, PTSD or a TBI, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible. The Department of Veterans Affairs has readjustment counseling for combat veterans and their families, including those still on active duty at community-based Vet Centers. The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury is available 24/7 to provide information and local resources to service members. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.
Installation Program Directory
Find programs and services at your local installation.You are about to leave the Military OneSource site.The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Department of Defense may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
Your session will expire in 5 minutes.Click "Extend" below to stay logged in.
This site is for testing purposes only.If you are part of the general public, navigate to the public site. This site is soley for testing and approving site pages before they are released to the general public.