Take the Step: Learn more about PTSD.

Why take time to learn about PTSD? Because taking the step to help someone you care about (even yourself), or your clients, starts with knowing the basics. No matter how much you already know about PTSD, there is always more to learn.

This week’s step connects you with materials to help you learn more about PTSD, including cutting-edge research and tools to manage symptoms.

• Know the Symptoms of PTSD.

• Print the (booklet) or watch (video module) Understanding PTSD.

• Manage symptoms with our award-winning PTSD Coach mobile app.

• Sign up for the PTSD Monthly Update for our monthly email with news, information, and new products.

• Providers can earn CE/CME credits using our Continuing Education opportunities.

• Prescribers can review current recommendations: Clinician’s Guide to Medications for PTSD.

• Clinicians and researchers can stay updated: Read about DSM Criteria for PTSD.

Take the Step: Challenge your beliefs.

Do you think treatment is only for people with extreme problems? Have you ever felt that you just don’t have time for treatment with all the other things in your life? The truth is that trauma can happen to anyone, and getting help is taking a step forward, not weakness. Making PTSD treatment a priority will help you get back control of your life.

This week’s step challenges you to think about all the benefits of getting help for PTSD, supporting someone in treatment, or learning how to offer the best care for your clients.

• Meet Veterans who faced PTSD and turned their lives around at AboutFace.

• Learn to problem solve: What’s stopping you? Overcome barriers to care.

• Share the basics about PTSD treatment. Print (booklet), watch (video module), or listen to (audio podcast) Understanding PTSD Treatment.

• Providers can learn about resources to increase patient engagement. Learn about our treatment companion mobile apps and how to use AboutFace with clients.

• Researchers and providers can stay up to date with the latest relevant PTSD information: Sign up for our Clinician’s Trauma Update-Online and PTSD Research Quarterly.

• Clinicians can offer flexibility in evidence-based treatments that benefit patients: PTSD 101: Overview of the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD.

• VA providers can use the VA PTSD Consultation Program to get peer support for clinical practice, assessment, improving care, or programmatic issues.

Take the Step: Explore the options.

What can you do if you need help for PTSD? Whether you are learning to manage your own symptoms or you are a caregiver looking for resources, you have options. The steps you take to get care should be the ones that are best for you.

This week’s step gives you information about options for care and support resources to help you make the best choices for yourself or your clients.

• Thursday, June 20th is National PTSD Screening Day. Take the time to learn about PTSD assessments, get screened, or volunteer to help others.
• Know Where to Get Help for PTSD and how to choose a therapist.
• Veterans can explore options specific to their needs: PTSD Treatment Programs in the VA and Women’s Mental Health Services in the VA
• Discover ways of self-help and coping to help manage PTSD symptoms, like lifestyle changes, peer support or mobile apps.
• Consider resources for family and friends. Being a good caregiver means getting support for yourself too.
• Follow our PTSD information on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.
• Providers can learn about assessment tools and treatment resources that use technology to overcome barriers, like our mobile apps and telemental health.
• VA providers and staff can investigate treatment, education, and administrative resources specific to VA.

Take the Step: Reach out.
Make a difference.

Why do your actions matter for others? If you have PTSD, treatment can help you get better and live a full life. If you are a provider, you can help someone take the step into treatment. And anyone in the community can make a difference by understanding more about PTSD.

This week’s step asks you to raise awareness about PTSD. Reach out to someone facing PTSD. Make a difference in their life and in your community.

• Participate in PTSD Awareness Day events: Thursday, June 27th.
• Choose one or more of our 10 Steps to Take to Raise PTSD Awareness to reach out to others.
• Point someone in need to www.PTSD.va.gov or AboutFace.
• Share with others on our Facebook page to encourage treatment seeking.
• Collaborate with use to Raise PTSD Awareness: Working Together./li>
• Volunteer to help Veterans, Service Members and Families: Providers can Give an Hour*, voluntary services at VA, Joining Forces.
• Community toolkits: Know how to refer or point someone to resources for help.