Topic: "Feeling on Edge"
Learn more and watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences with feeling on edge and what they did to get on a path to recovery.
Veterans Find Solutions to PTSD-Driven Hypervigilance
Connor says his PTSD-driven sense of danger kicked in when he heard loud noises; Fernando, when walking across campus; Brennae, when dining at a restaurant; Sean, in crowded cities. The Veterans say feeling on edge disrupted their lives and relationships. But they found solutions by taking a big first step: asking for help.
3 minute read
Feeling on Edge, Noise or Light Irritation, PTSD
Defeating PTSD: Veteran Tames Triggers and Reclaims His World
Chris overcame wartime trauma by facing its impacts head-on, including his intense reaction to one of the world’s most popular songs. Find out how therapy and music are helping him enjoy life in a new key.
3 minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Feeling on Edge
Army Veteran Overcomes Trauma of Point-Blank Attack
Shot 10 times at close range, Scotty somehow survived. But the trauma stayed with him. Prolonged exposure therapy and music helped him heal, showing that treatment can help Veterans recover emotionally from even the most severe trauma.
2 minute read
PTSD, Feeling on Edge, Flashbacks
Tailor-Made: How Veterans Find Mental Health Care That Fits
Reaching out for mental health care is a big first step. The next step? Making sure you get the right therapist and treatment for you. Veterans Jo, Tia, Mike, and John explain what they did to get care that suited their needs and why it was worth the effort.
4 minute read
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Therapy Helps Veteran Regain Faith in Herself
Deployment stresses and, later, an abusive relationship brought Marine Corps Veteran Shifali to a crisis point. Therapy and active use of the skills she learned there helped restore Shifali’s faith in herself.
2 minute read
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Therapy Helps Veteran Heal From PTSD
Leon tried to put his time in Vietnam behind him, but it haunted him. Then a book he read put a name to what he was feeling: PTSD. That led him to seek therapy and begin healing.
2 minute read
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Veteran Says Readiness for Support Is “Step 1” for Healing
After initially resisting the idea of mental health support, Stefan actively sought the therapy that gave him tools to manage his TBI, PTSD, and bipolar disorder symptoms. “It directly translates into my life being happier,” the Marine Corps Veteran says.
4 minute read
Bipolar Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Feeling on Edge 9.1.jpg)
When To Start Talking With a Veteran About Mental Health
For many Veterans, an open conversation about mental health with a loved one makes it easier to address mental health challenges in therapy.
5 minute read
Family and Relationships, Trouble Sleeping, Feeling on Edge, Military Sexual Trauma 28.0.jpg)
Anniversary Effect Recalls Valencia’s Trauma
For years after serving in the Navy, Valencia experienced the “anniversary effect,” which occurs when the date or even the season in which a trauma occurred triggers an unexpected emotional reaction — sometimes long after the event.
4 minute read
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Avoid a Transition Rut
Most Veterans go through some period of adjustment while transitioning out of military service. VA’s specialized resources can help them adapt to civilian life.
2 minute read
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Managing Sensory Triggers
Three Veterans talk about the VA resources that taught them how to manage their sensory triggers.
3 minute read
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Getting Help Shows Strength
A deployment with the Army in Afghanistan that led to a long separation from her toddler daughter left Nicole depressed and hypervigilant. After getting the treatment she needed at VA for adjustment disorder and PTSD, Nicole learned that she had the inner strength and resources to seek help again whenever she might need it.
3 minute read
PTSD, Feeling on Edge, Family and Relationships
Steps for Getting a Better Night’s Sleep
Veterans’ sleep can be affected by traumatic experiences, a racing mind, or old military routines, but there are steps you can take to create a healthier sleep routine.
5 minute read
Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Feeling on Edge, Problems with Alcohol
Handling Summer’s Challenges
Learn tips for Veterans to help cope with reactions to fireworks, large crowds, and social gatherings during the summer.
4 minute read
Feeling on Edge, Noise or Light Irritation
Tips for Managing Stress Around the Holidays
Information for military Veterans on ways to manage stress around the holiday season.
4 minute read
Family and Relationships, Feeling on Edge
4th of July: A Time to Celebrate and Remember
We’ve gathered a few pointers to help make the 4th of July enjoyable for all — especially those who have served our country in the military.
2 minute read
Feeling on Edge, Noise or Light Irritation
