Suicide Prevention & PTSD - American Legion Post #40

   Before proceeding, please click here for details regarding use of these links. if you have problems with any links, please notify webmaster@lanesboroamericanlegion.org

SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP

    A free, confidential resource that veterans, their families and friends can access any day, any time by manned by trained professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line — many of them veterans themselves — who are ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether a veteran has just returned home, or served years ago, their experiences remain with them. Their wounds might not be visible, but they need our attention. Anyone who knows a veteran can help. Dial 988 and Press 1 or dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or send a text message to 838255 or chat online http://www.veteranscrisisline.net

    The Lifeline supports people who call for themselves or someone they care about https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-someone-else/

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS

    Mental health issues are especially hard for people with depression and other mental health disorders. NAMI, The National Alliance on Illness has a 24-hour helpline: 800-950-6264. The relapse and overdose rate has increased by 30% since March 2020. For additional information go to https://www.nami.org

VA PTSD RESOURCES

Help for Veterans with PTSD

    Learn how to enroll for VA health care and get an assessment. (National Center for PTSD) https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp

PTSD Program Locator

    Find specialized VA PTSD treatment programs near you. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)   https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp

Veteran Combat Call Center

    A 24/7 hotline where you can talk with another combat veteran: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387).  https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/media/call-center-psa.asp

Women Veteran Call Center

    For more information on VA benefits and services provided to women Veterans, call the Women Veteran Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN or 1-855-829-6636.  Confidential chats are also online.  You can also learn about VA benefits you may be eligible for at https://www.va.gov/womenvet/

 

Help for Veterans Who Experienced Sexual Trauma during Military Service

     If you experienced sexual trauma during your military service, you can speak with a therapist at your local Vet Center for free, without an appointment, and regardless of your enrollment status with the VA. Just bring your DD214 (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)   https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Military_Sexual_Trauma.asp

ADDITIONAL PTSD RESOURCES
Home Base
    The first and largest private-sector clinic in the nation devoted to healing invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use disorder, military sexual trauma, family relationship challenges and other issues associated with service for Veterans, Service Members and their Families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research.

    Generously funded through contributions from donors, and the philanthropic partnership of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital.  Supported in part by the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Welcome Back Veterans (WBV), an initiative of the McCormick Foundation and Major League Baseball.  http://homebase.org/

Sleepopolis!

    Sleep problems are a common issue for people of all ages, but anyone diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.  Sleep disturbances and nightmares are common symptoms of PTSD, and these symptoms may even exacerbate other PTSD symptoms and make treatment more difficult.  https://sleepopolis.com/education/ptsd-and-sleep/

PTSD in Military Veterans: Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help

    For all too many veterans, returning from military service means coping with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Having a hard time readjusting to life out of the military.  Constantly feeling on edge, emotionally numb and disconnected, or close to panicking or exploding. No matter how long the V.A. wait times, or how isolated or emotionally cut off from others you feel, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and there are plenty of things you can do to start feeling better. These steps can help you learn to deal with nightmares and flashbacks, cope with feelings of depression, anxiety or guilt, and regain your sense of control.  https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/ptsd-in-veterans.htm

24/7 Outreach Center for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

    Get help for traumatic brain injury and other psychological health issues.  Formerly Deployment Health Clinical Center.  Call 1-866-966-1020 or connect through chat or email.  http://www.dcoe.mil/Families/Help