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Trauma/PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious potentially debilitating psychiatric disorder that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

ptsd

Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences.

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VA Mobile Apps Learn More

This website offers 15 mobile apps, which provide self-help, education and support following trauma. These include treatment companion apps, for use with a healthcare provider, to make treatment easier.

PTSD Coach App Learn More

This app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma. Features include:

  • Reliable information on PTSD and treatments that work
  • Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms
  • Convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms
  • Direct links to support and help
  • Always with you when you need it

Available in the App Store.

PTSD Coach Canada App Learn More

The PTSD Coach Canada app can help one learn about and manage symptoms that often occur after trauma. Features include:

  • Reliable and current information on PTSD and about treatments that are effective
  • Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms
  • Convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you manage stress symptoms
  • Information on crisis support and how to get help
  • available in English and French

Available in the App Store.

PTSD Family Coach App Learn More

Living with a family member who has PTSD can be stressful. PTSD Family Coach is an app similar to PTSD Coach. PTSD Family Coach provides support for concerned family members of those with PTSD.

The app can help you learn about PTSD, how to take care of yourself, and how to manage your relationship with your loved one or children.

Available in the App Store.

Understanding and Dealing with Trauma Learn More

This website defines PTSD, its signs and symptoms, and how to deal with it.

If you are unsure if you suffer from PTSD, the website offers a free and anonymous online test to check whether your levels of stress, anxiety, or depression are within a healthy range.

Healing from Complex Trauma and PTSD Learn More

Grounding is a vital strategy for PTSD management.

As the name implies, grounding is a particular way of coping that is designed to “ground” you in the present moment. In doing so, you can retain your connection with the present moment and reduce the likelihood that you slip into a flashback or dissociation. In this way, grounding may be considered to be very similar to mindfulness.

Self-Care for PTSD Learn More

This website explains what post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.

Available to download as a PDF.