Lisa Pape, Deputy Chief Patient Care Services Officer, Care Management and Social Work at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and members of the VA’s Caregiver Support Program will be sharing, demonstrating, and answering questions regarding virtual resources currently available to support caregivers during COVID-19.

VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers a wide-array of services to family members and loved ones who care for Veterans, including on-line courses, face-to-face classes, telephone support, and peer support. These services are offered in addition to the support provided to families and caregivers across VA by clinicians as part of a Veteran’s care. Every VA medical center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC) who provides clinical support and assists with information and referrals to these programs.

Caregiver Community Connection (C3) is an interactive web series that aims to empower, inspire, and engage America’s military, veteran, and family caregivers. Episode topics include but are not limited to: healthy lifestyle hacks, self-care and self-love, personal and professional development, financial wellness, mental and physical health, leadership, sharing your story, and more.

Powered by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), C3 seeks to educate caregivers about tools, resources, and strategies to help them thrive; combat isolation in the caregiver community by leveraging a platform that encourages peer connection; and provide uplifting content that promotes positivity and gives caregivers an opportunity to recharge. Additionally, this series helps the Foundation keep a pulse on caregiver needs so we and our partners can work to address them. In addition to WWP, we’d also like to thank the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for partnering with us on this series. For more information about the series, upcoming episodes, and recordings of previous episodes, visit: hiddenheroes.org/c3.

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. A number of factors can increase the chance that someone will have PTSD, many of which are not under that person’s control. For example, having a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event or getting injured during the event can make it more likely that a person will develop PTSD. PTSD is also more common after certain types of trauma, like combat and sexual assault.

Personal factors, like previous traumatic exposure, age, and gender, can affect whether or not a person will develop PTSD. What happens after the traumatic event is also important. Stress can make PTSD more likely, while social support can make it less likely.

It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event. At first, it may be hard to do normal daily activities, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about. But most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months.

If it’s been longer than a few months and you’re still having symptoms, you may have PTSD. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later, or they may come and go over time.  

*US Dept of Veterans Affairs, PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (2020, June 26).

• VETCHANGE:  www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/change
  • Take control of your drinking and learn to manage PTSD symptoms without using alcohol.
• PTSD COACH ONLINE: www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline
  
  • Cope with upsetting thoughts and reduce the symptoms of PTSD. 
    
• ANGER AND IRRITABILITY MANAGEMENT SKILLS (AIMS): www.veterantraining.va.gov/aims
  • Manage your anger and develop self-control over your thoughts and actions.
• MOVING FORWARD:  www.veterantraining.va.gov/movingforward
  • Improve your problem-solving skills to overcome stressful obstacles and meet your goals.
• PARENTING FOR VETERANS AND SERVICEMEMBERS: www.veterantraining.va.gov/parenting
  • Strengthen your parenting skills and reconnect with your children.
• PATH TO BETTER SLEEP: www.veterantraining.va.gov/insomnia
  
  • Improve your sleep habits and get more rest.

• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) anytime to talk to a counselor. Press “1” if you are a Veteran. The call is confidential (private) and free.
• Chat online with a counselor anytime at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

• Read Understanding PTSD: A Guide for Familiesand Friends to learn more about PTSD.
• Download the free mobile app PTSD Family Coach to get tips to help your loved one with PTSD.
• Use the Caregiver Support Program to access training and tools to help you succeed.
• Visit AboutFace to hear stories about PTSD and treatment from Veterans and their loved ones
• Contact VA’s Coaching Into Care program for support in getting your loved one into treatment.

20 Things Not to Say to Someone With PTSD:  https://www.e-counseling.com/ptsd/things-not-to-say-to-someone-with-ptsd/

The Exchange Club of Lawrence and the Andovers Field of Honor allows the community the opportunity to honor and memorialize veterans, current military, first responders, and personal heroes. The Field of Honor is a dramatic, emotion-filled display of full-size, 3′ x 5′ U.S. flags.   500 flags will be on display Saturday, June 20th through Saturday, July 4th –  Drive by to see them any time of the day or night!