PTS and How Vets4Warriors Can Help
This Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Awareness Month, Vets4Warriors is committed to providing insight and resources regarding PTS to the veteran and military communities. Our veteran peers are ready and able to assist you in your journey.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, PTS can occur after one has been through trauma, which is a “shocking and dangerous event that you see or that happens to you.” During military service, you may have endured such events in combat, on missions or in other experiences which exposed you to something traumatic, and can lead to PTS. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs:
- Approximately 11-20 out of every 100 OIF and OEF veterans have PTS in a given year.
- About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War veterans have PTS in a given year.
- Around 30 out of every 100 Vietnam veterans have experienced PTS in their lifetime.
Our partner, Cohen Veterans Network’s Dr. Amy Williams, describes the symptoms of PTS as changes in mood/emotions, as well as behavioral changes such as recklessness, impulsiveness or irritability. She also mentions that seven to eight out of 100 people will be diagnosed with PTS, and are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, insomnia, cardiovascular diseases and GI disorders.
Here at Vets4Warriors, our peers are members of the military community: veterans, service members, family members, caregivers and more – they have similar backgrounds and experiences as you, and they’re always on standby to listen and help. By speaking with someone who can relate to you on a unique level, you can receive advice better suited to your needs, and will feel less alone. If you need someone to talk to, or need to be referred to different connections, Vets4Warriors is here to provide answers and solutions – no matter where you are in the world.
We are happy to refer you to any of the organizations that are in our network, and we can connect you with the appropriate individuals to get you the support you need. To learn more about Vets4Warriors, you can visit our website at www.Vets4Warriors.com. You can also reach a peer by phone at 855-838-8255 or by text at 732-333-3634.
We are not a crisis support line, but a peer support line. Those struggling with suicidal thoughts should call the veterans crisis hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) ext. 1, or the National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-272-8255. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
