In reality, it's probably pretty self-explanatory, but if it isn't, here are some of the concepts.
Posts:
The blog posts are published in chronological order, most recent first. BUT, if you want to read MORE on any particular topic, head to the upper left hand corner of the blog and see all the different categories. If you click on any one of those topics, it will take you to the collection of articles written on that topic, dating back to February of 2006, when this site began.
Books:
If you want to find a book to read about PTSD, the known good ones -- not just every book that's out there -- are listed in a column on the left hand side of the blog, sorted alphabetically by author (first name, not last name -- odd, I know, but it's a TypePad thing.) Clicking on the title of any of those books takes you right to it on Amazon.com.
If you want to read a first person narrative of someone who fought in a conflict -- be it Vietnam, the first Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan -- those are in a column on the right hand side of the blog, separated by conflict. Those books don't attempt to propose therapeutic solutions: they're just there to give first person accounts of what it was like to be there, something that helps the rest of us experience greater empathy and understanding for what the challenges are and were.
Experts:
If you want to find the name of a known, credible expert on PTSD, or aspects of combat trauma and/or PTSD, those are listed in a category called, no surprise, "Experts." Periodically, over time, this category will be filled in with more listings, because it's somewhat constantly in flux.
Getting Help:
While much of this website is
about broadening the definition of "getting help," if the help you need
is specifically psychological, and it's an emergency, this is not the
place to be. Call a crisis hotline, or speak with a trained mental
health professional of your choosing. Help line numbers are listed
below, cribbed directly from my friend Kathie Costos' blog, Wounded Times:
- Vietnam Veterans of America, Crisis Phone Number. Special Notice: If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential. http://www.vva.org/.
- Also, Veterans’ Crisis Intervention Hotline: 1-888-899-9377. A Crisis Intervention Hotline has been established by the VA Heartland Network to assist veterans who may be dealing with a mental health crisis or difficult issue in their lives. The hotline will also aid family members or friends of veterans who need help in assisting a veteran in crisis.
