Application

The pain and suffering you are experiencing can get better – we can help. Your life and happiness is far more important than the stigma against mental health treatment. Take the important step to your recovery and The Pink Berets will provide you with a safe environment and make you a part of our family. You have done your duty, put your own life at risk to protect those of all of us who have never gone to war. Let us say thank you by providing compassion and support during your darkest days, and by helping you begin to heal from all that you experienced.

If you feel that you are in crisis, or are having thoughts about hurting yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Types of Trauma related to PTSD

Abandonment
Illness
Medical
Neglect
Child Sexual Abuse/Assault
Molestation
Rape
Sexual Harassment
Loss and Violent Traumas
Assault
Death of a family member or friend
Sexual Traumas
Adult Sexual Abuse/Assault
Adultery
Military Combat Experiences
Robbery
Suicide
Witness to Violence
Accidents
Natural Disaster
Vehicular Accident
Work Accident

Signs and Symptoms of Combat-Related PTSD

Soldiers experiencing combat-related PTSD will experience a wide array of symptoms and signs of the disorder. The primary categories of symptoms include:

Intrusive Symptoms

Involve re-experiencing the events and are signs that the body is trying to come to terms with and process the events soldiers have experienced. These symptoms may reappear during times of active stress. As these symptoms are automatic and involve re-experiencing the trauma, a soldier may feel as though he or she is back in danger. These may include:

Feeling in danger even though he or she is in a safe situation
Flashbacks – involuntary, uncontrollable, distressing reminders and memories of the traumatic event
Trauma-related dreams and nightmares of being back in combat
Distressing reminders and memories of the traumas of combat
Feelings of fear and anxiety as though he or she is back in the combat zone

Avoidant Symptoms

Occur when a soldier draws inward or becomes emotionally numb in order to cope with the intensity of the feelings he or she is experiencing. Avoidant symptoms of combat-related PTSD may include:

Loss of interest in any and all parts of daily life including once-enjoyed activities
Active, extensive avoidance of anything that may remind the soldier of the combat experiences, including thoughts, activities, places, people, memories, feelings, and conversations
Feeling detached from others, finding it a challenge to feel lovingly toward other people or experiencing any strong emotions whatsoever
Feeling a strong disconnect from world around you and the things that happen to you
Making an effort to restrict the emotions you feel
Shutting down and becoming emotionally numb as a means to protect yourself
Feeling of surreality of things around you
Experiencing weird physical sensations
Difficulty recalling important parts of the traumatic events
Loss of ability to feel physical pain or other sensations

Hyperarousal Symptoms

Can make a soldier feel as though he or she is constantly on guard, on edge, and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

Uncharacteristic, unexpected angry outbursts
Irritability
Exaggerated startle response that may trigger a memory or thought of the traumas
Difficulty relaxing enough to sleep
Hyper-vigilance or feeling as though there is a constant need to protect him or herself from danger
Aggression
Panic attacks

Application

If you feel that you are in crisis, or are having thoughts about hurting yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Types of Trauma related to PTSD

Signs and Symptoms of Combat-Related PTSD

Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.