June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PTSD in veterans is more common than in the general population. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the percentage of veterans living with PTSD varies by service era.
- Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF): About 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans (or between 11-20%) who served in OIF or OEF have PTSD in a given year.
- Gulf War (Desert Storm): About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) have PTSD in a given year.
- Vietnam War: It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.
How do you get help if you suffer from PTSD?
From the National Center for PTSD
PTSD Care for Everyone
- Finding a Therapist
Information, phone numbers and websites to help locate care for PTSD. - Help for Family and Friends | Asistencia para Familiares y Amigos
Learn about resources to help you take care of yourself while supporting someone with PTSD.
PTSD Care for Veterans, Military, and Families
- See Help for Veterans with PTSD to learn how to enroll for VA health care and get an assessment.
- All VA Medical Centers provide PTSD care, as well as many VA clinics.
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Some VA’s have programs specializing in PTSD treatment. Use the VA PTSD Program Locator to find a PTSD program.
- If you are a war Veteran, find a Vet Center to help with the transition from military to civilian life.
- Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to talk to another combat Veteran.
- DoD’s Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) 24/7 Outreach Center for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury provides information and helps locate resources.
Call 1-866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org - Military OneSource
Call 24/7 for counseling and many resources 1-800-342-9647. - Need further assistance? Get Help with VA PTSD Care, Benefits, or Claims.