PTSD Hotline
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PTSD helplines are widely available and provide free resources for people struggling with related issues, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, anger, and substance use.[1]
People experiencing persistent and recurring symptoms can benefit from the guidance provided through a hotline or mental health professional. However, if you or a loved one is in danger of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911 immediately.
PTSD—post-traumatic stress disorder—is a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a shocking, dangerous, or life-threatening event, such as war, natural disaster, rape, abuse, or an accident.[1,2] It is diagnosed when symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with relationships or work. The symptoms also must not be related to medication, substance use, or other medical conditions.[2]
PTSD can manifest in four forms, based on the intensity of the symptoms: mild, moderate, severe, or extreme. Each person is uniquely impacted. Signs of PTSD may begin to show soon after the traumatic event, but some people experience a delayed onset of symptoms.
PTSD symptoms disrupt a person’s daily routine. People, places, or things that remind a person of the traumatic event can trigger an episode. These symptoms may cause a person to change their routine. For example, after being attacked by a dog, a person may avoid animals or pets altogether.
Children may react to traumatic events differently than adults. Signs that your child may be experiencing PTSD include:[2]
Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD, says, "Psychotherapy alone can help manage PTSD symptoms in many cases. In other cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are needed to treat this condition. Seeking treatment for PTSD early often leads to better outcomes."
When PTSD was first identified as a mental health disorder, it was thought that trauma comprised extreme life stressors “outside the range of normal human experience.”[5]
Traumatic situations that commonly trigger PTSD include:[2]
It is natural to have some PTSD symptoms after a dangerous or life-threatening event. Sometimes, people have very serious symptoms that dissipate after a few weeks. However, individuals who receive the diagnosis of PTSD endure symptoms that last more than a month and seriously impact their ability to function. Although many individuals with PTSD experience symptoms within 3 months after a trauma, some will develop symptoms later
As Dr.Brindusa Vanta, MD, says, "The leading triggers of PTSD in men are combat and witnessing death or a severe injury. The most common traumatic experiences that trigger PTSD in women are rape and sexual abuse."
Many people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their life, yet not everyone who does will develop PTSD. In fact, most tend to recover naturally.[2] Some people are more susceptible to PTSD, especially those already dealing with mental illness or substance use disorder.[2]
Depression, substance use, or an anxiety disorder often accompany PTSD.[2] Individuals who misuse drugs or alcohol may experience more severe PTSD symptoms, higher rates of other mental health disorders, and increased risk for suicide.[3] However, research shows that when treatment improves PTSD symptoms, comorbid substance use disorder issues also improve.[3]
Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men, and veterans of war experience higher rates of PTSD than the general population due to their exposure to stress and trauma during combat.[4]
Population surveys show that in the United States, 6 out of every 100 adults in the general population (or 6%) will have PTSD in their lifetime. The risk of PTSD in veterans is higher, affecting 7% of them at some point in their life. [4] While suffering from PTSD can be an isolating experience, it’s important to know you are not the only one who feels this way, and there are resources available to help you get back to leading the life you want. PTSD can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness. PTSD helplines are a nonjudgmental, safe first step in the right direction for receiving treatment.
Reach out to healthcare providers for assistance in relieving the effects of trauma.
It can be difficult to pick up the phone and ask for help, but calling a PTSD hotline number is a free and easy way to speak with someone knowledgeable about PTSD and the treatment options available.
All PTSD hotlines are private and confidential; specialists are trained professionals who can offer guidance and a sympathetic ear. Hotlines are also open to friends and loved ones seeking information and treatment options for someone close to them.
Calling a PTSD crisis hotline can help you:
After recognizing a situation where immediate harm might occur—either to oneself or others—it's crucial to understand the steps to take. Here’s how to distinguish between a PTSD emergency and the need for general support, when to call 911 versus a PTSD hotline, and what immediate safety measures and stabilization techniques to apply.
A PTSD emergency involves situations where there's an immediate risk of harm to oneself or others, such as suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, or severe panic attacks that could lead to dangerous actions. General support through a PTSD hotline is more appropriate for managing symptoms such as flashbacks or seeking advice on treatment options.
Call 911 if:
Call a PTSD Hotline for:
Calling a PTSD hotline number is a great way to get confidential answers to your questions. Often, people are neither aware of the signs and symptoms of PTSD nor familiar with the best methods of treatment.
If someone develops PTSD because of an ongoing source of trauma, such as an abusive relationship, they will need help addressing their mental health issues as well as the traumatic environment contributing to them. Other associated issues can include panic disorder, chronic depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.[2]
The purpose of a PTSD hotline is to provide information and connect you to services. Here are some questions you may want to write down before calling a PTSD crisis hotline about your condition:
Family members and friends can feel lost trying to find help for a loved one. It may also be hard for the person struggling with PTSD to ask for help. Friends and family members are often the catalyst that allows someone to receive the critical help they need. It is important to realize that it may take time, but with treatment, your loved one can recover.[2] A post-traumatic stress disorder helpline can help point you in the right direction.
Here are some questions to ask if you are calling about a loved one’s condition:
Hotlines are a free and easy way to get more information and resources on PTSD. They provide confidential guidance and can answer your questions, directing you to the best care. There are several free and confidential national hotlines at your disposal.
If you experience suicidal thoughts during a PTSD episode and don’t know where to turn, the National Suicide Prevention number can offer guidance and the strength to find help. This number is free and provides 24-hour support for people in distress or crisis, as well as resources for you or your loved ones.
When you’re ready to seek treatment for your PTSD, SAMHSA’s hotline can help you locate mental health facilities in your area. This free national hotline is available 24/7 and can also direct you to local support groups, community-based organizations, and other mental health resources. You can also visit their online treatment locator.
PTSD can be especially challenging for children and teenagers who experience the additional pressures of school, social circles, and a developing sense of self. The Boys Town hotline is an excellent resource for both adolescents and parents to learn more about coping with PTSD and healing as a family. The free, 24-hour service allows kids to ask questions anonymously via phone, text, chat, or email.
If you’re in the grips of a PTSD flashback, talking to a stranger on the phone may be the last thing you want (or are able) to do. Luckily, help for people in crisis is just a text away. This free, 24/7 support service provides access to trained crisis counselors via text message, helping you break out of the PTSD episode and take the next step toward getting help.
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