Post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, is a trauma-related mental health condition that can cause significant distress in an individual's life.To help improve the public's knowledge of PTSD, we at Grapevine Psychology have provided you with a list of the top free resources for learning about post-traumatic stress disorder.What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after an individual experiences a traumatic event such as an assault or accident that results in a person sensing that their life is in danger.PTSD was first called "shell shock" since symptoms were primarily noted in military veterans after World War I.  Modern psychologists now know that PTSD occurs as a response to chemical and neurological changes in the brain after exposure to life-threatening events and can happen to anyone who experiences trauma.PTSD can be activated by environmental factors like sudden loud noises or specific smells, which can cause symptoms such as negative mood shifts, panic attacks, flashbacks, or intense anxiety.PTSD in America In the United States, at least 6% of the total population will have post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives and around 15 million adults will experience PTSD during a given year.  Evidence-based therapy can help limit the effects of PTSD on an individual’s life.Learning about PTSDIf you want to learn more about PTSD and its effects, there is a wide variety of resources available that you can use to develop your understanding.Grapevine Psychology has curated a list of the best free resources on PTSD:

1. National Institute of Mental Health
2. PTSD: National Center for PTSD
3. American Psychological Association
4. Psychology Today: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
5. CDC: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Children

Screening Tools Certain aspects of PTSD can look like anxiety due to the experience of “hypervigilance,” or the constant state of being on alert for danger.  This overactive fear response is also common in many anxiety disorders.  Here are a couple online screening tools to help you understand if you may be experiencing PTSD:

1. Mental Health America PTSD Screening Tool
2. ADAA Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD-Focused OrganizationsThere are many of reputable mental health organizations across the country that focus on helping individuals with PTSD.  These mental health institutions provide various resources to help individuals better identify and understand post-traumatic stress disorder and its impact.

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
2. The Mighty: PTSD Community
3. PTSD Anonymous
4. Non-Military PTSD Facebook Community Page

PTSD Support for VeteransA variety of organizations provide specialized services for veterans who have experienced trauma during their time in the military.

1. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
2. National Centre for PTSD
3. Military OneSource

Financial Assistance for PTSD TreatmentThe cost of behavioral therapy combined with the expense of prescription drugs can be an added stressor for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.There are a variety of non-profit organizations that offer financial support for both former military and civilian individuals working through treatments for PTSD.

1. Wounded Warriors Home
2. NeedyMeds.org
3.  Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE)

A combination of therapy, (sometimes) medication, and healthy lifestyle adjustments are vital steps in healing from trauma.  Grapevine Psychology can help.