Self-Help Resources

PTSD information and tools are organized here, with links additional resources. Individuals being treated for PTSD may also be struggling with depression, substance abuse, anger management issues, or any number of other physical and/or mental health conditions. You may find the self-help information posted under other behavioral health categories on this web site to be helpful.

Fact Sheets & Handouts

A Guide for Families of Wounded Soldiers

Seeking Help for PTSD—Getting Motivated
The symptoms and problems associated with PTSD can interfere with a person's life and become difficult to manage. Turning to someone for help is the first step in addressing the impact of PTSD in your life.

Coping with PTSD and Recommended Lifestyle Changes
When a trauma survivor takes direct action to cope with problems, he or she often gains a sense of personal power and control.

War-Zone Related Stress Reactions: What Families Need to Know
Military personnel in war zones frequently have serious reactions to their traumatic war experiences. Sometimes the reactions continue after they return home. Read how traumatic stress reactions can affect families.

Help for Veterans with PTSD
Answers to service-connected disability and PTSD questions that are frequently asked by Veterans and their families along with Veterans resources.

Managing Stress and Recovering from Trauma: Facts and Resources for Veterans and Families

PTSD and the Family
ecause the symptoms of PTSD and other trauma reactions change how a trauma survivor feels and acts, traumatic experiences that happen to one member of a family can affect everyone else in the family.

How Does Trauma Affect Relationships?
Trauma survivors with PTSD often experience problems in their intimate and family relationships or close friendships. PTSD involves symptoms that interfere with trust, emotional closeness,communication, responsible assertiveness, and effective problem solving.

Fathers With War-Related PTSD
Veterans with war-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder come from all over the country to the National Center for PTSD Clinical Laboratory and Education Division in Menlo Park, California. Many are fathers who come with concerns about how their problems with PTSD have affected their children.

Partners of Veterans with PTSD: Caregiver Burden and Related Problems

Survivors of Trauma: Combat-Related Stress
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

How Can I Get Him to Seek Help: Talking Points for Women
Courage to Care Fact Sheet

Videos

National Center for PTSD Videos
Video presentations can be downloaded from the National Center from PTSD web site, including videos focused on the cultural impact of PTSD on veteran's from different ethnic groups.

Books & Workbooks

The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms
M.B. Williams & S. Poijula

This workbook provides information about PTSD, self-administered assessments, self-help techniques for coping with PTSD, and references to additional resources. The workbook is not specific to combat-related trauma, but it is relevant for combat-related trauma. It costs about $18 new, but used copies of the workbook can be obtained for a reduced price.

Reclaiming Your Life After Rape
B.O. Rothbaum & E.B. Foa

This is a workbook designed for patients who have been victims of sexual trauma. It costs about $23 new, but used copies of the workbook may be obtained for a reduced price.

Bibliotherapy Resource Guide
Department of Veterans Affairs

PTSD Web Resources

National Center for PTSD

LIFElines Services Network

Military OneSource

National Foundation for Depressive Illness

Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy

Defense Centers of Excellence
Questions about traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychological health issues. The DCoE establishes quality standards for: clinical care; education and training; prevention; patient, family and community outreach; and program excellence.

1-866-966-1020

Resources for OEF/OIF Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs

Real Warriors Campaign
Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

Other Helpful Resources

Mental Health Self Assessment Program
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
At the end of each anonymous screening you will receive results that can be printed and shared with your doctor or other trusted clinician. While this screening tool is not a substitute for a complete evaluation, it can help you identify symptoms that are consistent with depression, and learn how to access help. This assessment tool is designed for individuals aged 17 and older. To access the anonymous telephone assessment, call MHSA’s toll-free number at 1-877-877-3647.

Veteran and Military Family Health
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health