Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) consumed Josh’s life until he reached out to VA for support. An Army Veteran and former IED hunter in Iraq, he says, “Anytime I passed any trash on the side of the road, my body instantly would freeze up.”
One of his treatments through VA was a therapy known as prolonged exposure. Veterans who decide to engage in this treatment find that gradually approaching trauma-related memories, feelings and situations that they have been avoiding results in significant reductions in PTSD symptoms.
“It really worked for me. It let me know the past was the past,” says Josh. “You don’t have to let it control your life.”
Veterans enrolled in VA health care have access to high-quality mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care for PTSD, depression, readjustment, substance use disorders, military sexual trauma and more.
“The VA helps train you in ways to get out and live your life,” says Josh.
Visit Explore.VA.gov to learn more about VA benefits and how to apply, or click the button below for details on VA health care.
If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
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