PTSD is one of the challenges that Veteran students may face.
After a trauma or life-threatening event, it is common to have reactions such as upsetting memories of the event, increase jumpiness, or trouble sleeping.
If these reactions do not go away or if they get worse, you may have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is an anxiety disorder. PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later. They
also may come and go over many years.
If you think you have PTSD, it is important to seek professional help. There are good treatments available for PTSD -- treatment can help
you get better
National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD): The NCPTSD is the VA’s center of excellence for research and education on PTSD and traumatic stress reactions. Their web site has extensive
information for Veterans and their families.
Treatment of PTSD explains some of
the different approaches that are widely used to treat PTSD, in addition to some information on what to expect during treatment.
How to Recognize When to Ask for Help: Contains information on suicide prevention -- understanding the warning signs, myths and realities, and Veteran specific risks.
Web Resources
Veterans Crisis Line*: The Veterans Crisis Line ensures Veterans have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors by calling 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans press ‘1’ after you call). You can
also visit this website to chat live with a crises counselor, 24/7. Other resources provided include the Veterans Resource Locator (locate VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators,
Crisis Centers, VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Veterans Benefit Administration Offices and Vet Centers), free materials (e.g. brochures and
wallet cards), and much more.
ULifeline*: ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential, online resource center, where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need
and want regarding mental health and suicide prevention. ULifeline is available where college students seek information the most - at their fingertips on
the Internet.
: Half of Us, MTV-U and The Jed Foundation want to initiate a public dialogue to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues on
campus and connect students to the appropriate resources to get help.
VA Programs and Services
Vet Centers: Vet Centers are located in your community and stand ready to help you and your family with readjustment counseling and outreach services. Services include individual and group counseling, marital and family counseling, medical and benefits referrals, and employment counseling.
Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF): Contains information for our newest Veterans returning from the armed services. Provides information about the benefits the VA provides, eligibility, and family support services.
VA GI Bill: Provides information on education programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs
MakeTheConnection.net: Visit this site to view stories from Veterans of all service eras who have made the decision to return to school after service. MakeTheConnection.net is a one-stop resource where Veterans and their families and friends can privately explore information on experiences related to mental health issues, hear fellow Veterans and their families share their stories of resilience, and easily find and access the support and resources they need.
Watch video testimonials from Veterans who have found ways to balance the demands of school with the stress of civilian life, and to find information and resources for support.
Fact Sheets & Guides
For Veteran Students
Returning from the War Zone: A Guide
for Service Members: This guide contains information to help military personnel understand what to expect when returning from a war zone, and to help them to better
adapt back to home life.
Comprehensive Soldier Fitness: Strong Minds, Strong Bodies*: A structured, long term assessment and development program designed to build resilence and enhance the performance of every Soldier, Family
member and Army civilian. Focuses on five dimensions of strength: Physical, Spiritual, Family, Emotional, and Social.
A Transfer Guide: Understanding
Your Military Credit Recommendations*: This guide, from the American Council on Education (ACE), is based on the principle that if you have a clear understanding of your military
transcript and basic information about transfer policies and issues, you can more successfully navigate your way through the process of transfer credit for
military training and experience. This publication will serve as your resource for understanding military credit recommendations, transcripts, and their
use when you wish to transfer to an academic institution.
Military to College Guide:
For Student Veterans*: The Student Veterans of America (SVA) designed this guide to help Veterans entering college. It contains information on navigating the transition
from deployment to college, education resources, employment resources and more.
For Families
Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of
Military Personnel: As a military family member you want to understand what to expect during reintegration following time in a war zone, and to help your loved one
adapt back to home life. Reintegration is an adjustment for all involved. This guide aims to make this process as smooth as possible.
Sesame Workshop: “When Families Grieve”*: When Families Grieve is a continuation of Sesame Workshop’s award-winning Talk, Listen, Connect initiative, providing resources and emotional
support to military families with young children coping with a challenging life transition.
Coming Home: Adjustments For
Military Families* (PDF): The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry developed Facts for Families to provide concise and up-to-date information on issues that
affect children, teenagers, and their families. This fact sheet covers the importance of understanding the needs and feelings of each family member
post-deployment.
Other Resources
Other
After Deployment Website*: Behavioral health resource supporting service members, their families, and Veterans with common post-deployment challenges. Their
mission is to provide self-care solutions targeting PTSD, depression, and other behavioral health challenges.
Real Warriors*: This website is part of the Real Warriors Campaign launched by the Defense Centers
of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and
supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families. Contains information for a number of audiences including
Veterans, Active Duty, Families and Health Professionals.
National Resource Directory*: Provides wounded, ill and injured Service Members and Veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who
support them with a web-based directory of valuable resources. It delivers information on, and access to, the full range of medical and non-medical
services and resources needed to achieve their personal and professional goals across the transitions from recovery to rehabilitation to community
reintegration.
Veteran Service Organizations
Student Veterans of America*: Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a coalition of student Veteran groups from college campuses across the United States. SVA works to develop new
student groups, coordinate between existing student groups, and advocate on behalf of student Veterans at the local, state, and national level.
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America*: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation’s first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)*: SOC functions in cooperation with 15 higher education associations, the Department of Defense, and Active and Reserve Components of the Military
Services to expand and improve voluntary post-secondary education opportunities for servicemembers worldwide.
Today’s GI Bill*: This site is designed to assist service members and Veterans by providing clear yet comprehensive guidance on the steps to making the most out
of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
VA Resources
*Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs web site. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
PTSD is one of the challenges that Veteran students may face.