PTSD and Communities

Whether or not you are personally involved in a traumatic event, you may come in contact with someone who has experienced trauma or who has PTSD.

Sometimes traumatic events affect an entire community all at once, such as a natural disaster. At other times, trauma affects people less directly. For example, you may live near or work with a person who experienced a traumatic event. Or, you may be exposed to trauma through the media. Below read about how various community members can help with recovery.

Trauma in Your Community

• Community Violence: Effects of Children and Teens
  Describes how neighborhood violence effects young people, and gives resources that can help.
• Acts of Violence, Terrorism, or War: Triggers for Veterans
  Describes how Veterans may respond to or be triggered by new acts of violence, terrorism, or war. Provides a list of tips to help Veterans cope with such events.
• Media Coverage of Traumatic Events
  Learn how media (news, movies, etc.) can affect your stress level or harm children, and read about how to reduce bad effects.
• Journalists and PTSD
  Journalism is a career that can bring some risk of physical harm and long-term emotional distress. This fact sheet discusses how journalists can be impacted by exposure to traumatic events.

PTSD at Work or in School

• PTSD, Work, and Your Community
  Explains why people who do not understand PTSD may treat you differently (stigma). Read about how you can use community services or a job to change the minds.
• Information for Employers about Veterans
  Gives information for employers about Veterans and service members in the National Guard and Reserves. Explains the transition to civilian work and rights of returning Veterans.
• Veterans Employment Toolkit
  Created for employers, managers and supervisors, human resource professionals, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers to support and retain Veterans in the workplace. Toolkit also offers employment resources for Veterans.
• VA Campus Toolkit
  Provides college faculty, staff, and administrators with resources to support student Veterans who are adjusting to campus life.
  Flyer for the VA Campus Toolkit (PDF)

PTSD and the Legal System

• Keeping Veterans with PTSD out of the Justice System
  Describes programs to keep eligible Veterans out of the justice system and make sure they get treatment.