People who live through a traumatic event sometimes suffer its effects long after the real danger has passed. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
When your spouse returns from a deployment with a combat stress injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, it can affect everyone in the household. To do your best for your spouse — and for you — learn more about combat stress, what resources are available, and most importantly, how to care for yourself.
Active-duty, Guard or reserve service members returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn deserve a smooth transition back to civilian life.
With coronavirus disease 2019 taking its toll on service members and their families, leadership and health care providers, these resources can help everyone maintain a positive frame of mind.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits and services to meet the needs of veterans and service members. While many VA programs are designed to serve veterans, particularly disabled veterans, VA services are not limited to those who have left the military.
Learning to recognize the signs of combat stress in yourself, another service member or a family member who has returned from a war zone can help you call on the right resources to begin the healing process.
Some stress in your life is healthy. It can motivate you to change behavior and develop skills, especially in military life.
Combat stress reactions are natural responses of the body and brain to the extreme stress of combat. Sometimes a threat is so prolonged or intense that it causes a “stress injury.”
It’s hard to avoid stress when you’re caring for a loved one with a serious injury or an ongoing wound or illness. Caregiving is an important job that can be extremely demanding.
Even the most well-adjusted children may experience stress following a disaster or traumatic event. It’s important to understand how to recognize and address signs of stress so you can help your children cope with their feelings.
As a spouse of a service member who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, you may be experiencing a range of emotions. It is important to allow yourself to feel every emotion that surfaces and attend to your own needs.
The military has specialized wounded warrior programs designed to help the severely ill and injured transition back to duty or civilian life. Each service branch has its own program.
A violent act, catastrophic accident, or sudden loss can leave you feeling anxious and fearful, which are normal reactions. But if anxiety and fears are taking over your or a loved one’s life, you may want to consider professional help.
There are many reasons to sign up for VA Health Care, the first being low- to no-cost, quality health care. Learn more about which health care benefits you qualify for and how to apply.
As a service member, you’ve been taught to expect the unexpected. The unexpected can require a little support. As a veteran, you have help at hand. Find out about what kinds of assistance are available to you.
Get answers to questions that people are asking about the National Guard Bureau Psychological Health Program.
Combat stress, also known as battle fatigue, is a common response to the mental and emotional strain when confronted with dangerous and traumatic situations. It is a natural reaction to the wear and tear of the body and mind after extended and demanding operations.
Coping with PTSD or traumatic brain injury can be a challenge for those with the diagnosis, and for family and caregivers.
The American Red Cross offers important support to service members, veterans and their families. You’ll find the Red Cross in hometowns across America, on military installations around the world and deployed with the armed forces to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Djibouti.