Why Early Help is Important
Combat stress reactions often go away over time. If they persist--if they begin to interfere with your life or if you experience a delay in the effects of combat stress--it is important to seek treatment. Sometimes symptoms can become more difficult to treat over time, so catching them early is smart. Many early treatments for combat stress, depression and anxiety do not involve medication.
Signs of combat stress can show up immediately, six months or even a year after returning. It is good to seek help when you feel that you are being affected negatively by combat stress over a period of time.
There are effective treatments for combat stress and other possible reactions such as depression and anxiety.
How do you know if you or someone else needs help?
Returning from combat requires a transition period. While the war zone survival and coping skills taught to our troops are valuable and promote positive life-saving action in combat, they are not the same set of skills needed to function well at home, on the job or in school. In combat, a service member develops unique skills and habits that allow them to function effectively in this stressful environment. Each service member needs time to transition back into his/her family and community since using those combat habits and skills can create challenges in civilian life. Just as it took time to develop the combat habits, it takes time to stop using them.
Service members may not be aware of having these habits or using these skills in everyday life. Some people make this readjustment on their own while others find assistance helpful.
Why Seek Help?
- Better understanding a situation before it reaches a crisis stage can make it easier to resolve.
- For many service members, dealing effectively with emotional and social issues increases success in civilian and military work.
- Resolving your concerns can lessen the stress on your family
Where to Find Help
You and your family may receive treatment for war zone related problems from a number of qualified sources. These sources include:
- Chaplain Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Mental or Behavioral Health Services Located with Hospitals or Clinics
- Military One Source
- Nursing or Family Assistance Programs
- Primary Care Physicians
- Private practice professional counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists or pastoral counselors.
- Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Centers
It is acceptable and common to shop around for a provider.
Military One Source is the Defense Department's primary source to help service members and their families support their busy lives, particularly regarding behavioral health. Go to www.militaryonesource.com for more information or call 1-800-342-9647 to speak with a representative about your problems.
If you are having feelings of suicide, think you are a possible threat to yourself or worried about a loved one, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately for crisis intervention. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) then Press "1"
- Additional Resources:
-
www.mayoclinic.com
The Mayo Clinic provides useful information about when to consider psychotherapy and for what conditions it may help. -
www.apahelpcenter.org
Click on this link from the American Psychological Association for places to look for help and support to remain resilient during difficult times.