Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

For Military Personnel | Returning from Deployment | Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Stress | Grief | Suicide Prevention | For Families of Military Personnel | Families | Children | For Teachers and Other School Personnel | For Behavioral Health Professionals and Other Service Providers

For Military Personnel

Returning from Deployment

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Helping National Guard and Reserve reenter the workplace. Retrieved from http://www.mirecc.va.gov/docs/visn6/11_National_Guard_Reentering_Workplace.pdf [PDF - 344 KB]

This fact sheet explains the types of issues that reservists may experience when they make the transition from active duty back to their former job or workplace. Appropriate for both the military and civilian community, it can also be used as an educational tool for professionals.

Mental Health America. (n.d.). How to get back to “normal.” Retrieved from http://www.nmha.org/reunions/infoBacktoNormal.cfm 

This web page lists 10 tips for reservists or full-time military personnel returning to everyday life after a deployment.

Mental Health America. (n.d.). When the letdown doesn't let up.Retrieved from http://www.nmha.org/reunions/infoLetdown.cfm 

This web page lists problems that service men and women may experience when returning from a deployment and describes how to get professional treatment to help overcome these problems.

National Center for PTSD. (2010, September). Returning from the war zone: A guide for military personnel. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/reintegration/guide-pdf/SMGuide.pdf [PDF - 2.63 MB]

This guide discusses common reactions to expect following a war deployment and includes real-life experiences shared by military personnel. It identifies some helpful coping mechanisms for transitioning to life at home and talks about signs that military personnel can look for to tell if they or their fellow military personnel might benefit from professional help.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Behavioral health issues among Afghanistan and Iraq U.S. war veterans (DHHS Publication No. SMA 12-4670). Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

This article discusses the behavioral health problems facing veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. The article covers mental health issues and substance use among returning Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans.

Electronic copies may be downloaded at http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Behavioral-Health-Issues-Among-Afghanistan-and-Iraq-U-S-War-Veterans/SMA12-4670?WT.ac=EB_20121004_SMA12-4670

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

American Psychiatric Association. (2011). Let’s talk facts about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from http://www.fcphp.usf.edu/courses/content/rfast/Resources/PTSD%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf [PDF – 90.88 KB] 

This brochure provides information regarding PTSD, including its definition, symptoms, and treatment options.

Mental Health America. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from http://www.nmha.org/reunions/infoPTSD.cfm 

This resource explains what PTSD is and what its symptoms are. It explains the different treatment options and has a link to many kinds of support groups. The guide lists self-care tips when dealing with PTSD and includes a question-and-answer section with a doctor who specializes in trauma and PTSD.

National Center for PTSD. (2007, January 1). Treatment of PTSD. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/treatment-ptsd.asp

This resource introduces up-to-date treatments and therapies available for PTSD, including cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, group therapy, brief psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy. It reviews how long treatment for PTSD can last and provides tips for choosing a therapist who is right for you.

Parrish, I. S. (2012, April). Military veterans PTSD reference manual. Retrieved from http://www.ptsdmanual.com 

This online manual is designed for veterans and outlines information on the recognition and diagnosis of PTSD. It also includes information on some of the available therapies and treatment.

Price, J. L. (2009, October 22). When a child's parent has PTSD. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/pro_child_parent_ptsd.asp

This document includes information on how a parent’s PTSD symptoms can affect his or her children. It describes some of the common child responses to those symptoms and offers guidance regarding what a parent should do when faced with this situation.

Seahorn, J. J., & Seahorn, E. A. (2008). Characteristics of PTSD questionnaire. In Tears of a warrior: A family’s story of combat and living with PTSD (pp. 96–98). Retrieved from http://tearsofawarrior.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ptsd-questionnaire.pdf [PDF - 31.5 KB] 

This is a self-test that can help military personnel determine if they are experiencing normal levels of anxiety and stress after a deployment, or if they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD. It can be taken alone in complete privacy and includes a score sheet.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2007, July 5). What can I do if I think I have PTSD? Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-if-think-have-ptsd.asp

This web page provides information on how to figure out if you may have PTSD and what you should do if you think that you do. It includes information regarding why help for PTSD is necessary and treatments that are available.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Mobile app: PTSD coach. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDcoach.asp

PTSD Coach is a smartphone app developed by the National Center for PTSD that is designed to help individuals learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma. It includes tools for screening and tracking symptoms as well as direct links to support and help.

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Stress

National Center for PTSD. (Producer). (2005). Insights for interventions: For veterans and families [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/videos/women-served-military.asp

According to the web page, this video “presents the many trauma treatment options available to women Veterans today by VA medical facilities... The video examines how women’s deployment to war zones can lead to stress responses.” It also covers the considerable contributions of women in service to their country.

Naval Center Combat and Operational Stress Control. (n.d.). Leaders: Info and tools. Retrieved from http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcsd/nccosc/leadersV2/infoAndTools/Pages/default.aspx

This web page provides tools for leaders of sailors and marines to help them recognize signs and symptoms of stress, and it provides examples of real-life scenarios to identify how to treat and reintegrate sailors and marines. The tools include information on the stress continuum, color-coded stress level identifiers, core leadership functions, risk factors for stress, sources of stress injuries, combat and operations stress first aid, sleep advice, after-action review, promotion of resilience, and advice for first responders.

Office of The Surgeon General, Department of the Army. (2011). Combat and operational behavioral health. Retrieved from http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/borden/Portlet.aspx?ID=2331c1fa-753b-449c-a2aa-dd10ea69b9b9

This publication includes information on behavioral health in the military population, including traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress syndrome, grief, substance abuse, and eating disorders. It describes combat and operational stress control; training for resiliency, suicide prevention, and other preventive measures; and treatments such as pain management, rehabilitation and occupational therapy, and medication. The roles of military behavioral health providers and chaplains around ethics, family dynamics, forensic psychiatry, and detainee care are discussed as well as the military's evolving behavioral health policy and practices.

U.S. Army Public Health Command. (2008). Guide to coping with deployment and combat stress. Retrieved from http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TG%20320%20 (Guide%20to%20Coping%20with%20Deployment%20Combat%20Stress.pdf [PDF - 2.50 MB]

This guide reviews combat and operational stress reactions and ways to manage these behaviors. It includes tips for providing support to soldiers in distress and information on coping with deployment separation.

U.S. Marine Corps. (n.d.). Combat and operational stress. Retrieved from http://www.usmc-mccs.org/leadersguide/Deployments/CombatOpsStress/generalinfo.cfm  

This web page provides an overview and definition of combat and operational stress as it relates to Marine Corps members. It reviews the risk factors for combat and operational stress, resiliency factors, and prevention tips, as well as suggested resources specifically for marines.

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Grief

Magellan Health Services. (n.d.). Effectively coping with trauma and grief while serving in the military. Retrieved from http://ir.magellanhealth.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=578834 

This publication reminds military personnel experiencing loss that grief is normal. It provides tips for those experiencing stress or grief resulting from a loss or traumatic event.

Mental Health America. (n.d.). Bereavement and grief: Information for military families and communities. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/reunions/infoWarGrief.cfm 

This webpage lists emotions that may be experienced by a military service member or a family member of a military service member who has experienced the death of a loved one. It includes tips for effective coping following such a loss and also includes tips for helping others with their grief.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Death of family or friends. Retrieved from http://maketheconnection.net/events/death-family-friends 

This website section provides information on what to do after experiencing the death of a loved one. It includes symptoms of grief, next steps, and resources. It also includes actual stories from service members who share their losses.

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Suicide Prevention

Afterdeployment.org. (n.d.). Suicide. Retrieved from http://afterdeployment.org/sites/default/files/library/suicide/index.html 

This book was put together to help service members and their loved ones to recognize the critical nature of suicidal ideation, how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, what to do if you or someone you love is displaying those warning signs, and where to get help.

Real Warriors. (2011). You are not alone: Suicide prevention tools for warriors. Retrieved from http://www.realwarriors.net/active/treatment/suicidesigns.php 

This web page describes how to know if you are showing warning signs of suicide, includes tools to help you cope while you seek treatment, and provides information on where to reach out for information and support.

U.S. Army Public Health Command. (n.d.). Suicide prevention training tip card. Retrieved from http://www.in.ng.mil/Portals/0/CIT/Suicide_Prevention/113_SU_SuicidePreventionTrainingTipCards.pdf [PDF - 1.06 MB]

This tip card includes possible reactions, emotions, and conditions that can lead to suicide or suicide attempts. It includes information on warning signs that may indicate that a soldier is suicidal and factors that raise the risk of an individual’s being suicidal.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (2011, April). Veteran crisis line public fact sheet: Confidential help for veterans and their families. Retrieved from http://www.erie.va.gov/pressreleases/assets/VeteransCrisisLine-PublicFactSheet.pdf [PDF - 1.07 MB]

This fact sheet describes the Veterans Crisis Line, a toll-free, confidential support line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to veterans and their loved ones. The line can be reached by dialing 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, or veterans and their loved ones can access support via online chat at http://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net. These resources are available even to veterans, and families of veterans, who are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

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For Families of Military Personnel

Families

Carlson, E., & Ruzek, J. (n.d.). PTSD and the family. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/ptsd-and-the-family.asp

This fact sheet reviews how family members can be affected by having a loved one with PTSD. It discusses common reactions family members will have to a loved one’s traumatic experience and what professionals can do to help these families.

Family Caregiver Alliance. (1996, July). Coping with behavior problems after head injury. Retrieved from http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=396 

This fact sheet identifies behavioral problems, personality changes, and memory problems that can be experienced by head injury survivors. It also includes tips for learning to cope when a loved one is suffering from issues related to traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Family Caregiver Alliance. (2007). Traumatic brain injury. Retrieved from http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=579 

This fact sheet discusses TBI and its consequences and provides information about the helpful resources available to families caring for a loved one affected by TBI.

National Center for PTSD. (2007, July 5) Coping when a family member has been called to war. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/coping-family-member-war.asp

This fact sheet describes the impact on families when a loved one is deployed to war. It discusses the emotional cycle of deployment, family difficulties, changes in family systems, special concerns, and suggestions for coping.

National Center for PTSD. (2010, September). Returning from the war zone: A guide for families of military members. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/reintegration/guide-pdf/FamilyGuide.pdf [PDF - 2.2 MB]

This guide includes information on what to expect when a loved one is returning from a war zone and ways to help the loved one better readapt to home life.

National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Partners of veterans with PTSD: Common problems. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/partners-of-vets.asp

This web page includes information on the most common relationship problems for people with PTSD. It explains why these relationship problems occur and offers suggestions for those who have a loved one who is suffering from PTSD.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (2004, January). Reuniting with your loved one: Helpful advice for families. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CTC_reuniting_loved_ones.pdf [PDF - 83 KB] 

This tip sheet provides ideas and suggestions for family members of military personnel who are returning home and offers ways to participate in relationships and routine activities again.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (2004, summer). Becoming a couple again: How to create a shared sense of purpose after deployment. Retrieved from http://www.militarymentalhealth.org/resources/pdf/USU%20Becoming%20a%20Couple%20Again.pdf [PDF - 406 KB] 

This tip sheet includes four steps that couples can take to adjust to new roles in their family and community following a deployment.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (n.d.). What military families should know about depression. Retrieved from http://cstsonline.org/csts_items/CTC_depression_family_sheet.pdf [PDF - 177 KB] 

This resource may help you or your loved one identify and seek help for depression. It provides information that can help you to describe how depression is affecting your life more effectively to healthcare providers, family, and friends.

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Children

Graham, B. (2007). U.S. Army deployment support handbook: children and youth. Retrieved from http://www.myarmyonesource.com/cmsresources/Army%20OneSource/Media/PDFs/Family%20Programs%20and%20Services/ Family%20Programs/Deployment%20Readiness/Operation%20READY/DEPLOY_SPPT_HBOOK_CHILD_YOUTH.pdf [PDF – 2.10 MB] 

This handbook “provides guidance for parents in helping their children and youth cope with the challenges of deployment. The focus is on (1) identifying the challenges children and youth may experience during stages of the deployment cycle, (2) understanding developmental needs when deployment challenges occur, and (3) providing strategies parents can use with their children and youth throughout deployment to prevent undue stress, enhance their ability to cope, and foster resilience.”

Military Kids Connect. (n.d.). Helping children cope with deployment. Retrieved from https://www.militarykidsconnect.org/parents/coping 

This web page provides suggestions that you may want to try with your child as he or she adjusts to the challenges of a parent’s or other caregiver's deployment. Summary sections include specific ideas for each age group.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2008). Traumatic grief in military children: Information for families. Retrieved from http://www.nctsnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/Military_Grief_Families_final3.pdf [PDF - 1.12 MB] 

This guide provides an overview of how a child may be affected by the death of a loved one who died in combat or as a result of war.

Price, J. L. (2009, October 22). When a child's parent has PTSD. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/pro_child_parent_ptsd.asp

This document includes information on how a parent’s PTSD symptoms can affect his or her children and the types of responses that are commonly seen in children. There is also guidance regarding what a parent should do when he or she has PTSD.

Sesame Workshop. (n.d.). Talk, listen, connect: Deployments, homecomings, changes, grief [Video series]. Retrieved from http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/tlc 

This is a bilingual, multimedia outreach program designed to help military families with young children who are coping with challenging transitions in their lives. Through video, music, and print materials, Sesame Street characters address issues such as deployment, a parent’s returning home changed due to combat-related injury, and the death of a parent.

Sherman, M. D., Bowling, U. B., Anderson, J., & Wyche, K. (2010, August). Veteran parenting toolkit: Together building strong families. Retrieved from http://www.ouhsc.edu/VetParenting/ 

This web page provides five age-based toolkits for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their partners. Each parenting toolkit includes informative facts about children in that age range, tips on reconnecting with your child after deployment, talking to your child about deployment, common behavioral challenges, reconnecting with your partner after deployment, and communication tips for couples.

Veteran parents with infants (birth–1 year) http://www.ouhsc.edu/vetparenting/PDF/Veteran_Parent_Booklet_Infant_Rev110303.pdf [PDF - 1.60 MB] 

Veteran parents with toddlers (1–3 years) http://www.ouhsc.edu/vetparenting/PDF/Veteran_Parent_Booklet_Toddler_Rev110303.pdf [PDF – 1.49 MB] 

Veteran parents with preschool children (3–5 years)
http://www.ouhsc.edu/vetparenting/PDF/Veteran_Parent_Booklet_Preschool_Rev110303.pdf [PDF – 1.49 MB] 

Veteran parents with school-age children (6–12 years)
http://www.ouhsc.edu/VetParenting/PDF/Veteran_Parent_Booklet_SchoolAge_Rev110823.pdf [PDF – 896.46 KB] 

Veteran parents with teenagers (13–18 years)
http://www.ouhsc.edu/vetparenting/PDF/Veteran_Parent_Booklet_Teenager_Rev110303.pdf [PDF – 1.49 MB] 

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (n.d.). Helping children cope during deployment. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CTC_children_helping_during_deployment.pdf [PDF - 424 KB] 

This fact sheet was written by experts who understand the impact of deployment and family trauma and contains useful information for parents and family caregivers to help children cope during a parent’s deployment.

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For Teachers and Other School Personnel

Department of Defense Educational Opportunities Directorate. (n.d.). Educator’s guide to the military child during deployment. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/homefront/homefront.pdf [PDF – 352 KB]

According to this booklet, it “is intended to help educators build coping skills in their students during and after a military deployment. . . . Specific and practical guidelines for administrators, counselors, teachers, and other school employees are presented in order to identify age-related reactions and focus on appropriate intervention strategies.”

Military Kids Connect. (n.d.). Educator resource guide. Retrieved from https://www.militarykidsconnect.org/educators/resources 

This webpage is a resource for military families with children, educators working with children whose parent(s) have been deployed, and for military kids themselves. It contains links to resources on classroom and counseling activities, trauma and grief, student support, wellness for kids and families, and family support, as well as videos and fun websites for military youth.

Military Kids Connect (n.d.). Helping children cope with deployment. Retrieved from https://www.militarykidsconnect.org/educators/coping 

This web page includes tools that can aid classroom teachers, administrators, and school boards in working with military children with a deployed parent. It contains lesson plans, tips on providing support to students, services and ideas for school counselors and administrators, and helpful contacts.

Military Kids Connect. (n.d.). Typical children’s behavior in response to deployment. Retrieved from https://www.militarykidsconnect.org/educators/coping/behaviors 

This webpage serves as a “guide that describes behaviors students may display as they react to a parent's or caregiver's deployment.”

Virginia Joint Military Family Services Board. (2003, February). Working with military children: A primer for school personnel. Retrieved from http://support.militaryfamily.org/site/DocServer?docID=642 

This guidance addresses four major aspects of the military lifestyle: separations or deployments, homecomings, relocation, and crises. It also includes activities that are designed to help children cope with the adjustments that a military lifestyle can demand.

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For Behavioral Health Professionals and Other Service Providers

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Fostering resilience in response to terrorism: For psychologists working with military families. Retrieved from http://www.wellnessproposals.com/stress/handouts/military-families.pdf [PDF - 57.2 KB] 

This fact sheet is intended to “provide information to support the psychological resilience of active and reserve military families at all stages of deployment. This fact sheet provides specific examples of ways in which psychologists can assist military family members to more successfully cope with the stress associated with prolonged separation during military operations and campaigns.”

National Center for PTSD. (2004). Iraq war clinician guide (2nd ed.). Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/manuals/iraq-war-clinician-guide.asp

This manual is intended for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It includes information on the experiences of a military patient, the military system in which he or she serves, the military medical services available, and the potential impact of medical decisions on the service member's future military career.

Sherman, M. D., Bowling, U. B., Anderson, J., Wyche, K. (2010, August). Veteran parenting toolkit: Together building strong families; Provider guide. Retrieved from http://www.ouhsc.edu/VetParenting/PDF/ProviderGuide.pdf [PDF- 417 KB] 

This document aids providers in assessing parenting issues in veterans who have recently returned from a deployment. It lists specific questions to ask the veteran and includes resources with relevant information.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (n.d.). Depression in primary care: A military health care perspective. Retrieved from http://www.brainlinemilitary.org/content/2011/09/depression-in-primary-care-a-military-healthcare-perspective.html 

This fact sheet describes the effect of depression on members of the military and their families. It also covers how the primary care setting can be used to help with early identification and intervention.

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