In this enlightening episode of "Information for Life: Insights and Ideas to Navigate Your World," we delve into the complexities of supporting a partner with combat-related PTSD. We examine the challenges and share practical guidance on empathy, patience, and care, in addition to offering vital resources for crisis situations, general help, and specialized support for families and veterans. Join us as we navigate this challenging but crucial topic.
Crisis Resources
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at www.988lifeline.org
This site is a 24-hour hotline for anyone in emotional distress. Call or text 988.
The Veterans Crisis Line at www.veteranscrisisline.net
The hotline is available 24/7. Call 988, then press one or text 838255.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE, 1-800-799-7233, or 1-800-787-3224.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline at www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline
1-800-656-HOPE or 1-800-656-4673.
There is also a National Sexual Assault Online Hotline for messaging at www.rainn.org/new-rainn-mobile-app-offers-survivors-loved-ones-another-option-support
The National Child Abuse Hotline at www.childhelp.org
1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453.
General Resources for Family and Loved Ones
Most U.S. States have a National 211 at www.211.org
Simply dial 211.
The SIDRAN Institute at www.sidran.org
email at help@sidran.org or by leaving a confidential voicemail: 1-410-825-8888.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org
email info@nami.org or call the Information Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI or 1-800-950-6264.
Resources for Loved Ones of Veterans and Service members
The VA Caregiver Support program provides services to support family members who are taking care of a Veteran: call 1-855-260-3274
VA's Coaching Into Care program helps family and friends of returning Veterans find the right words to help their loved one get into care. For free, confidential coaching, email or call: 1-888-823-7458
The Vet Center, Combat Call Center, is a 24/7 call center for combat Veterans and their families to talk about their military experience or issues about readjustment to civilian life:
The Psychological Health Resource Center offers 24/7 support for service members and their families. Staff can answer questions about mental health symptoms and help you find resources. Call 866-966-1020, email, or live chat at www.home-c72.niceincontact.com/incontact/chatclient/chatclient.aspx?poc=d836e912-8100-4812-b0da-f124f2894895&bu=4599581
The National Resource Directory links to over 10,000 services and resources that support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for wounded, ill, and injured Service members, Veterans, their families, and those who support them.
Give an Hour at
This nonprofit organization offers free mental health services to US military personnel and their families affected by Iraq and Afghanistan.
Resources for Children With a Parent Who Has PTSD
MilitaryKidsConnect at www.militarykidsconnect.health.mil
Sesame Street for Military Families at www.sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org
Children must know that a parent's PTSD symptoms are not their fault. An interactive workbook for teens may help: "Finding My Way: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma," can be found at www.seedsofhopebooks.com/finding-my-way.html
