What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is something that someone experiences after experiencing a shocking or scary event. PTSD is often associated with military combat but there are other experiences and events that can cause it such as accidents, abuse, or other traumatic experiences in life.
Anyone, at any age, can develop PTSD.
Warning Signs of PTSD
Warning signs begin within three months but sometimes can emerge later.
- Flashbacks – or reliving the trauma
- Recurring memories
- Dreams that are related to the event
- Distressed thoughts
- Avoidance symptoms – not wanting to go to places or events, or avoiding thoughts of the event
- Feeling tense, on guard or on-edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of sleep or trouble falling asleep
- Angry or aggressive outburst
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Negative or disordered thoughts
Related: Symptoms of PTSD and What to Do in a Crisis
How to Get Help in Virginia for PTSD
If you or your loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms please get help now. If you are located in Virginia’s region – Five area (Greater Tidewater Hampton Roads Area of Southeastern and Coastal Virginia) please call the Region – Five crisis line at (757) 656-7755.
Other resources include:
- NSPL – 800 – 273 – TALK (8255) – veteran’s press one
- Crisis text line – 741-741 and text Hello
- Outside the Region Five area call 988 to find your local crisis call center
- LockBox Requests – send a request to lockandtalk@wtcsb.org (more info here https://region-five.org/service-member-veterans-and-family-support/lock-and-talk/)
Watch the whole video below to listen to Whit Mcneill, WTCSB and Region – Five SMVF Navigator, talk more about PTSD and gives many more resources for help for those living in the Region Five area