Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Health Center

It may be very hard to take that first step to help yourself. It is important to realize that although it may take some time, with treatment, you can get better. To help yourself:

• Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
• Engage in mild activity or exercise to help reduce stress.
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
• Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Tell others about things that may trigger symptoms.
• Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately.
• Identify and seek out comforting situations, places, and people.

Where can I go for help?

If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are listed below:

• mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
• health maintenance organizations
• community mental health centers
• hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
• mental health programs at universities or medical schools
• state hospital outpatient clinics
• family services, social agencies, or clergy
• peer support groups
• private clinics and facilities
• employee assistance programs
• local medical and/or psychiatric societies

You can also check the phone book under "mental health," "health," "social services," "hotlines," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor can also provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.