Where To Turn For Help

Need Immediate Help?

Veteran-to-Veteran Peer Counseling
1-877-VET2VET

Nat'l Veterans Foundation Help Line
1-888-777-4443 (M-F 9-9 Pacific)
Email help also available from NVF

Military OneSource - DOD contracted
1-800-342-9647 in USA (24/7)
1-800-3429-6477 outside of USA

Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline
1-800-984-8523

VA Suicide Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

NY/NJ Veterans VA Nurses Helpline
1-800-877-6976

Gulf Coast VA Med Center Hot Line
1-800-507-4571

Suicide Hotlines
1-888-649-1366
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433

Suicide Help Online
http://www.hopeline.com
http://www.spanusa.org

Miles Foundation
Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault by Military Personnel 1-877-570-0688

Nat'l Coalition for Homeless Vets
1-800-VET-HELP

Veterans of the Vietnam War
1-800-843-8626

VA Office of the Inspector General
Report Suspected Wrongdoing in VA Programs and Operations Call the OIG Hotline – (800) 488-8244

Where To Turn for combat stress/reintegration issues

If you're a vet suffering with PTSD, please know that you are not alone. Please take your symptoms seriously.

From the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command website:

Fellow Soldiers - Talk to your friends about what you are feeling. Oftentimes it's a reality check ... a first line of defense.

Chain of Command - Team leaders, squad leaders, platoon sergeants/leaders, first sergeants, company/battalion/brigade commanders, command sergeants major.

Unit Ministry Teams - They're especially good at counseling.

Family Life Chaplains - Many have a Master's Degree in Counseling and will try to save a marriage; some will also work individually with the members of a couple.

Military One Source (Formerly Army One Source) - Call 1-800-342-9647, or visit the Web site. They offer six free sessions and it's anonymous.

Primary Care Managers - Many family practice physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are quite comfortable treating depression and sleep problems.

Community Mental Health Service - They usually have at least one psychiatrist and a variable number of psychologists and social workers on staff as well as behavioral health technicians.

TRICARE Counseling - Spouses can go for free. Service members can often share a family member's appointment for marriage counseling.

Veterans Administration - Or Veterans Centers.

Army Substance Abuse Program (formerly ADAPCP) - Especially helpful if the Soldier or family member has a problem with alcohol or drugs.

VA/DOD Joint Programs - Aimed at service members near retirement and currently operating at Forts Hood and Bliss.

Local Church Programs - Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Social Services, etc.

Army Community Services - Often coordinate/conduct stress management, anger management, parenting and other classes.

Online Community Bulletin Boards - A great resource to tap if you have questions; usually manned by veterans and military family members who've been through the same experiences.

The Internet - There is a truckload of solid information available on-line. Just do a search using the keyword PTSD.

Free Resources for OEF/OIF Veterans and Families

Colorado Psychological Association
The Support Our Family in Arms (SOFA) program provides a statewide network of credentialed volunteer mental health providers offering complimentary counseling services to Colorado's OEF/OIF National Guard and Reserve veterans and their families. Phone 303-692-9303 for more information.

Deep Streams
Offers San Francisco Bay-area OEF/OIF veterans and their families a complimentary multi-disciplinary program that integrates psychological, meditative and expressive arts approaches to healing from war.

Give an Hour
Provides complimentary nationwide counseling services endorsed by but separate from the military establishment to troops, veterans, and military spouses, children, parents, siblings, and unmarried partners.

Helios Warriors
Offers complimentary alternative holistic health care services that address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of Ashville, North Carolina, veterans and their families. They provide integrative health care that supports any other existing medical care being received.

The Merritt Center
Offers a complimentary four-weekend (Friday-Sunday) women's and men's retreat program for military trauma in the Star Valley woods near Payson, Arizona. Each weekend offers a different menu of items to aid in trauma release including walks in the woods, sweat lodge ceremony, therapeutic massage, release exercises of body and mind and much more.

ONE Freedom Inc.
Providing ground-breaking education and training models that are community-driven, transferable and sustainable. Complimentary reintegration resources for returning veterans. Located in Boulder, Colorado.

Operation Comfort
A nationwide network of 450 mental health providers and agencies providing services, free of charge, to veterans and family members who have a loved one serving in the Middle East. Visit their website or phone 1-866-632-7868 (1-866-NEAR TO U) to find a counselor near you.

Return to Honor
Complimentary transition training workshops from Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, aimed at helping returning veterans and their families return to peaceful life following service.

The Returning Veterans Project NW
Offers free and confidential counseling to Portland-area veterans and their families of past and current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Phone (503) 402-1717 or email info@returningveterans.com for more information.

The Sanctuary
Offers 'Guardians of Our Way of Life' [soldiers, intelligence professionals, law enforcement officers, or first responders (Fire/EMS)] and their families complimentary access to a nationwide network of retreat centers.

The Soldiers Project
Free, confidential psychological counseling for southern California OEF/OIF vets and their families. Visit their website, phone 818-761-7438 or email info@thesoldiersproject.org for more information.

Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists (SOFAR)
Complimentary psychotherapy and psycho-educational services for New England-area families of Reservists and National Guard members stationed in or returning from Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

Swords to Plowshares
Their San Francisco drop-in center provides mental health services, including counseling for drug and alcohol problems and post-traumatic stress disorders, case management and referrals. Outreach and prevention programs target veterans who suffer from unemployment, poverty, medical problems, substance abuse, and social isolation.

There & Back Again: Navigating Life After War
A nonprofit organization privately funded by concerned Americans whose contributions support the well-being and reintegration of OEF/OIF service-members in the Cambridge, Mass., area. Their free reintegration program includes modules on freeing the mind from unhealthy thoughts as well as conditioning the body through yoga sessions.

Valley Forge Return to Honor Workshops
Complimentary three-day intensive cognitive and experiential reintegration workshops, after theatre (after trauma) decompression training, and family integration programs for returning Afghanistan and Iraq veterans and their families. Located in Pennsylvania.

Veteran Love
Assisting wounded and disabled service men and women with their post-war transition, this nonprofit has established a monthly “emergency assistance” fund granting financial help to selected veterans or military family members. See their website for details. Their online chat board is a great resource.
American Love and Appreciation Fund
930 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-673-2856
Fax: 866-777-9431

Veterans Study Program
OEF/OIF veterans: access to a free reintegration counseling program and study fittingly called the Veterans Study Program at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in the Bronx, New York.

General Mental Health

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Find a mental health services provider in your area via their website or by phoning 1-800-950-6264.

National Institute of Mental Health
General PTSD information and links to booklets and databases to find help in your area.
National Mental Health Association
Offers support groups, rehabilitation, socialization, and housing services through 340 community organizations across the country. Visit their website or phone 1-800-969-6642 (1-800-969-NMHA) to find one near you.

Combat Stress/PTSD/TBI Information and Resources

>> Posts containing resources
>> Freebies
AllSites - link lists
Mental Health Self-Help
Online Mental Health Counseling
Post-Traumatic Stress

American Gulfwar Veterans Assoc.
PTSD Claims FAQ (A to Z)

American Psychiatric Association
Let's Talk Facts PTSD Brochure - [pdf]

American Psychological Association
PTSD Page

Anxiety Disorder Association of America
PTSD Page
Online PTSD self-test

The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
Research, Training, and Policy Page< Blue Star Mothers
Guide to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - [pdf]

Communities/Bulletin Boards
SLOOMS - Support Loved Ones of Military Suicides - manned by Joshua Omvig family, highly recommended
PsychCentral Combat PTSD Forum
TAPS Online Community Support
Community of Veterans
NY Metro Vets
VeteranLove Professional Corner
Physical Evaluation Board Forum
American Gulfwar Veterans Association
PTSD - Iraq Discussion Forum
PTSD Support Group for Family
MarineParents.com Forum
Aftermath of War - Coping with PTSD

Crystal Clarity
Meditation Therapy for Stress and Change - 36 minute online video

Dart Foundation
Gateway to PTSD Info Page

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (2006 Edition)
Seamless Transition - resources for OEF and OIF vets
PTSD Counseling Centers
Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Service
Veterans Benefits Administration - VA docs search
Homeless Veterans
My HealtheVet (MHV)

Deployment Health Clinical Center
Operational Stress Page
PTSD Self-Management Worksheet [pdf]
PTSD Page [clinical research links]

Hearts Toward Home International
Turning Your Heart Toward Home Workbook

Infinity Publishing
Military Veterans PTSD Reference Manual - comprehensive online book

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Operation Truth
Resources for Vets
PTSD Blog

Journal of Clinical Psychology Expert Clinical Guidelines Series
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - [795K pdf]
Guide for Patients and Families - [118K pdf]

Kathie Costos
For the Love of Jack: His War, My Battle - free PTSD book [pdf]
Veterans and PTSD Flash Video

MarineParents
Recovering from Combat
Post-War Coping Resources

MedlinePlus
PTSD Page

Military.com
Solving the GI Bill Mystery

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Veterans Resources

National Center for PTSD
Veterans Resources Index Page - extremely important page, lots of info
Managing Stress Fact Sheet
The Iraq War Clinician Guide, 2nd Volume
Mental Health Impact of the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
A Guide for Military Personnel and: A Guide for Families

National Institute of Mental Health
PTSD Information Page

Navy's Lifelines Services Network
Combat Stress Reactions Online Video Series for Families

ONE Freedom
Research and community support for de-stigmatizing stress/post-trauma

Patience Press
Home from War 8-page article [pdf]
Patience Mason's Patience Press
Free PTSD pamphlets/newsletters

PBS - Frontline
The Soldier's Heart

Psych Central
Posts on PTSD

PTSD Combat
What are the Symptoms?
General Sequence of Treatment
Treatment Options, Quick Overview
Families: Recommended Reading
How to Interact w/Returning Troops
Filing a PTSD Claim? Here's Help...
Veterans Job Search Resources

PTSD Help Network
PTSD Benefit Claims Worksheet - highly recommend using this

QPR Institute
Suicide, the Forever Decision: For Those Thinking About Suicide and For Those Who Know, Love and Counsel Them, by Paul Quinnett, Ph.D. - free 100 page book

Screening for Mental Health
Online Mental Health Screening - anonymous and free military resource available also at (877) 877-3647

Sidran Institute
Resources for Trauma Survivors - help in finding a therapist
The Essence of Being Real: Relational Peer Support for Men and Women Who Have Experienced Trauma - free 76 page workbook [pdf]

Social Workers
Help for Veterans and Their Families
About Stress Management

Soldier's Heart
PTSD Education Page

Survivors of Suicide
Helping a Survivor Heal

THRIVEnet
Guide to Listening to War Veterans for Family Members

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Grief help via TAPS

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Stark & Stark video - highly recommended

US Army
Battlemind
Behavioral Health
Medical Dept./Surgeon General
PTSD/MTBI Chain Teaching Program

US Marine Corps
Leaders Guide for Managing Marines in Distress

VA Watchdog
How to File a PTSD Claim

Vermont Veterans Combat Stress Symposium
Common PTSD Symptoms - [pdf]
Know Your Veteran Worksheet - [pdf]

Veterans and Families
Homecoming Preparedness Guide

Veterans for America
Veterans Survival Guide
Wounded Warrior Registry - register for assistance with PTSD issues

Veterans for Common Sense
PTSD Resources Page
Health Issues Page

Vietnam Veterans of America
PTSD Benefits Guide
Veterans Survival Guide

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Battlemind Training: Continuing the Transition Home brochure - [pdf]

WebMD
A-Z Health Guide: PTSD

Women Organizing Women - Veteran Advocacy
Resources page

Why Good Vibrations Create A Better World

In his book 'Power vs Force', David Hawkins calibrates people's emotions from levels 20 up to 1000. 20 being Shame which is perilously proximate to death. It’s destructive to emotional and psychological health, and makes us prone to physical illness.

At the other end of the scale at 700- 1000 is enlightenment. This is the level of the Great Ones such as Krishna, Buddha and Jesus. It is the peak of the evolutionary consciousness in the human realm.

All levels (which could be classed as vibration levels) below 200 are said to be energy draining, and below integrity. These vary from Guilt (30), Grief (75), Fear (100) up to Pride (175).

People feel positive as they reach Pride level. However Pride feels good only in contrast to the lower levels. Pride is defensive and vulnerable because it’s dependent upon external conditions, without which is can suddenly revert to a lower level.

At the 200 level, power first appears. Courage (200) is the zone of exploration, accomplishment, fortitude, and determination. People at this level put back into the world as much energy as they take; at the lower levels, populations as well as individuals drain energy from society without reciprocating.

Further levels include willingness (310), Acceptance (350) and Love (500).

This level is characterized by the development of a Love that is unconditional, unchanging, and permanent. It doesn’t fluctuate – its source isn’t dependent on external factors. Loving is a state of being. This is the level of true happiness.

Interesting facts from the book -

* The concept and theories behind these experiments were conducted over a 20 year period using a variety of Kinesiology tests and examinations.
* Kinesiology has an almost certain 100% accuracy reading every time. It will always reveal Yes, No, True, and False answers.
* Collective Consciousness: These experiments reveal that there is a higher power that connects everything and everyone.
* Everything calibrates at certain levels from weak to high including books, food, water, clothes, people, animals, buildings, cars, movies, sports, music etc.
* 85% of the human race calibrates below the critical level of 200.
* The overall average level of human consciousness stands at 207.
* Human consciousness was dangling at below the 200 level (190) for many centuries before it suddenly rose up to its present level some time in the mid 1980s. Hence Nostradamus’s end of the world predictions may have been avoided (he made his predictions at a time when human consciousness was at below the 200 level). For the world to stay at levels below 200 over a prolonged period of time would cause a great imbalance that would undoubtedly lead to the destruction of all humanity.
* The power of the few individuals at the top counterbalances the weakness of the masses.
* 1 individual at level 300 counterbalances 90,000 individuals below level 200
* 1 individual at level 500 counterbalances 750,000 individuals below level 200
* 1 individual at level 700 counterbalances 70 million individuals below level 200

In other words, as a co creator of the world, if you vibrate at 200 and above you will be helping to raise the consciousness of mankind, and be a big part in creating a better world for everyone.

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Anxiety Disorder Knowledge

Anxiety disorders are varied an include agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a number of other medical conditions. Most people do not learn about anxiety disorder normally, so it is important to put effort into learning about anxiety disorders if you or a loved one is diagnosed with one of these medical conditions.

The first place you can start when looking for information about anxiety disorders is, of course, you medical professional. If you think that you may have a problem with anxiety to the point where it is disrupting your life, you should see a doctor immediate and describe your symptoms. Your doctor will run tests and check your health in order to make a diagnosis, and be sure to save enough time during your appointment to ask questions about you anxiety disorder and your treatment options. If you feel rushed, make sure that you make another appointment in order to go over your anxiety disorder. If you doctor seems too rushed to talk to you, you are probably better off finding a new doctor who will be able to help you.

Once you leave your doctor’s office, don’t go home—hit the library. There are hundreds of books devoted to anxiety disorders and you can find general information here, that has probably already been covered by your doctor, as well as specific information, including theories on the causes of anxiety disorders and the best treatment options. Along with the books you’ll find at the library, you will also find medical journals and magazine, which will provide you with the most up to date information in the medical community regarding anxiety disorders.

At home, you can continue your education online. The Internet is a wonderful resource when it comes to research just about any topic, including anxiety disorders. You can do this without leaving the home, which is an advantage to people who are suffering from anxiety disorders that are not yet under control. The Internet also allows you to connect to others dealing with the same conditions or in the health care world through email, forums, and chat rooms. However, remember that the information you find on the Internet may not always be the most accurate. Anyone can post on the Internet, from someone with a Ph.D. to your mailman.

No matter how you chose to research your anxiety disorder, it is simply important that you do so. Only when you have all of the information available to you can you truly be able to totally make the best decisions for your body.

Click here for my Free eBook Panic No More