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HHS highlights treatment for PTSD in veterans and civilians
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The US Department of Health and Human Services is focusing on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month by highlighting a number of resources available to veterans and civilians.
“PTSD may result in sleep problems, irritability, anger, recurrent dreams about the trauma, intense reactions to reminders of the trauma, disturbances in relationships and isolation,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement.
According to Sebelius, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are offering a variety of resources to assist those suffering from PTSD, as well their families and friends:
- SAMHSA’s Mental Health Services Locator, http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator, locates local treatment services for those with PTSD.
- NIMH and National Institutes of Health fact sheets and information on scientific studies and clinical trials on PTSD can be found at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml.
- Information about bullying can be found at http://www.stopbullying.gov/.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network is located at http://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-ptsd-awareness-day, providing resources for health care providers, educators and families.
- SAMHSA’s Military Families Strategic Initiative website is http://www.samhsa.gov/militaryfamilies/.
- Veterans Chat, an online service for veterans, families and friends in crisis, is located at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
Sebelius said HHS is renewing its commitment to support education, research and treatment of those with PTSD.
“We have a responsibility to help Americans who have lived through trauma, especially our nation’s service men and women who may be struggling with PTSD,” she said. “We owe them the care and resources they need to get well.”
PTSD Awareness Day is on June 27. Visit http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/06/20120606a.html for more information.