PTSD is a very complex issue. Sometimes, those who have it aren’t even aware at first. Others are aware, but aren’t sure what to do about it, or are reluctant to seek help for fear of appearing weak. Perhaps they feel like they should feel lucky, that there’s others out there that have it worse, and that they should try to ignore how they feel.
[pullquote_right]Sometimes, the moments alone are the worst. But now, if you have a smartphone, you’ve now got a new tool in your pocket.[/pullquote_right]
The Defense Centers of Excellence’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) and the Veteran Administration’s National Center for PTSD have developed a smartphone app to assist veterans, active duty personnel and civilians who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
The app is intended to be used as an adjunct to psychological treatment but can also serve as a stand-alone education tool.
Self-Assessment: Self-assessment of PTSD symptoms with individualized feedback, and ability to track changes in symptoms over time. The assessment does not formally diagnose PTSD.
Manage Symptoms: Coping skills and assistance for common kinds of post-traumatic stress symptoms and problems, including systematic relaxation and self-help techniques.
Find Support: Assistance in finding immediate support. The app enables individuals to identify personal sources of emotional support, populate the phone with those phone numbers, and link to treatment programs. And in an emergency, users can quickly link to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Learn about PTSD: Education about key topics related to trauma, PTSD, and treatment.
