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9 Apps to Help Veterans With PTSD

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder which affects people who have experienced a traumatic event during their lifespan. During World War I and World War II, it was also known as “shell shock” and “combat fatigue.” PTSD isn’t just for military combat, though; it can happen to people of different backgrounds and experiences.

• What is PTSD?

Below are nine smartphone apps produced by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that can potentially help support people experiencing PTSD or related symptoms. See if any of these smartphone apps can make a difference for you or a loved one.

1. ACT Coach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy aims to help people who struggle with negative thoughts or feelings without compartmentalizing or being controlled by them.

Get it on iOS or Android.

2. CBT-i Coach

CBT-i Coach is a smartphone app helps people with PTSD cope who experience insomnia. It can be beneficial to people who have unwanted thoughts which affect their sleeping habits.

Get it on iOS or Android.

3. CPT Coach

CBT Coach is a smartphone app that includes PTSD symptom monitoring, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) worksheets, session assignments and access to a professional mental health provider.

Get it on iOS or Android.

4. Mindfulness Coach

Mindfulness Coach is a smartphone app that helps support people practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness benefits include managing emotions, finding balance, being in the present moment and coping effectively with negative feelings or emotions.

Get it on iOS or Android.

5. Moving Forward

Moving Forward helps people overcome stressful situations. It provides on-the-go tools to help manage issues such as relationships, family life, financial difficulties, and physical injuries. It is useful for problem-solving skills for people who experience trauma-related experiences.

Get it on iOS.

6. PTSD Coach

PTSD Coach is a smartphone app that educates people about PTSD, offers self-assessment, chances to find support and resources that can help people manage stress.

Get it on iOS or Android.

7. PE Coach 2

PE Coach 2 is meant to help support people who are involved in prolonged therapy (PE). This app allows you to have exercises assigned by your therapist and provides exercises to decrease your stress.

Get it on iOS or Android.

8. PTSD Family Coach

PTSD Family Coach is designed to help support family members who have loved ones with PTSD cope better. This app offers tools such as information about PTSD, how to take care of your loved ones and how to get treatment for your loved one.

Get it on iOS or Android.

9. AIMS for Anger Management

AIMS for Anger Management provides support for people with PTSD who want to cope with their anger and moods. It is based on the self-help course provided on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. It offers tools on how to manage anger, anger tracking, creating a management plan and manage angry reactions.

Get it on iOS or Android.

Getty Images photo via Pinkypills

Originally published: March 20, 2019
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