June is PTSD Awareness Month. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an intense physical and emotional response to thoughts and reminders of a traumatic event that can last for weeks or months after the event. If you or a family member has PTSD, you may have noticed panic attacks, depression, substance abuse or even suicidal thoughts. Help is available. You can call a crisis hotline (www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/CrisisLines.aspx) toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), press 1; or text 838255; or chat at the Military Crisis Line website at www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx. Or make an appointment to see your primary care manager. For more information, visit the TRICARE Crisis Hotlines webpage at www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/CrisisLines.aspx.
For more on TRICARE, visit the Military.com TRICARE section. For more on PTSD, visit the Military.com PTSD section.
