PTSD

View this program to understand Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) basics, such as types of trauma and symptoms.

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can be managed with a treatment plan. Your mental health professional will help determine the types of therapy or medications that may work for you. With the right treatment plan, you can live a healthy life.

This video provides an overview of evidence-based treatments for PTSD.

Learn about Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and how it is used to treat PTSD.

Learn about Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy and how it is used to treat PTSD.

Hear honest and candid descriptions from Veterans of what life was like for them with PTSD. A variety of Veterans—men and women, younger and older—share their emotions, actions, and symptoms; how they learned they had PTSD; and what they did to get on a path to recovery.

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD can be managed. You can live a healthy life with the right treatment plan, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding substance abuse and other unhealthy behaviors. Work with your mental health professional to figure out what works to ease daily anxiety.

Having support is key in managing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Support can come from loved ones, mental health professionals and other PTSD sufferers. Support can help you heal and provide comfort.

This resource briefly outlines the challenges caregivers may face, tips to help with those challenges, and a list of trusted resources for further assistance. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

You may have PTSD if you've been through a traumatic event and are having trouble dealing with it. Such events may include a car crash, rape, domestic violence, military combat, or violent crime. While it's normal to have some anxiety after such an event, it usually goes away in time. But with PTSD, the anxiety is more intense and keeps coming back.