VA's AboutFace program focusing on PTSD

In observance of June as PTSD Awareness Month, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has begun a new online initiative, AboutFace, focused on helping veterans recognize PTSD symptoms and motivating them to seek treatment.

The AboutFace campaign introduces viewers to veterans from all eras who have experienced PTSD and turned their lives around with treatment. Through personal videos, viewers will meet veterans and hear how PTSD has affected them and their loved ones. Visitors will also learn the steps to take to gain control of their lives.

AboutFace, which is PTSD-specific, was designed as a complementary campaign to VA’s current Make the Connection  campaign. Make the Connection uses personal testimonials to illustrate true stories of veterans who faced life events, experiences, physical ailments, or psychological symptoms, reached out for support and found ways to overcome their challenges.

AboutFace launched in June in time to help bring attention to PTSD Awareness Month. It is located on the National Center for PTSD website. There viewers will watch as eterans candidly describe how they knew they had PTSD, how PTSD affected the people they love, why they didn’t get help right away, what finally caused them to seek treatment,; what treatment is like and how treatment helps.

VA provides effective PTSD treatment and conducts extensive research on PTSD, including prevention. Those interested in further information can go online to find educational materials including courses for providers on the best practices in PTSD treatment and the award-winning VA/DoD PTSD Coach Mobile App for electronic devices, which provides symptom management strategies.

For more information on AboutFace, go online or contact the National Center for PTSD at (802) 296-5132.