Ad

PTSD Hotline

Brindusa Vanta, MD, DHMHS
Medical editor

Ad Disclosure: Some of our MentalHelp.net recommendations, including BetterHelp, are also affiliates, and as such we may receive compensation from them if you choose to purchase products or services through the links provided


  1. Need Immediate Help With PTSD?
  2. What is Trauma?
  3. Risk Factors for PTSD
  4. PTSD Statistics 
  5. Should I Call a PTSD Hotline Number?
  6. What to Do in a PTSD Emergency
  7. Distinguishing Between a PTSD Emergency and the Need for General Support
  8. When to Call 911 Versus a PTSD Hotline
  9. Immediate Safety Measures and Stabilization Techniques
  10. What Questions Should I Ask When Calling a PTSD Helpline Number?
  11. Free PTSD Crisis Hotline Numbers 

Need Immediate Help With PTSD?

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, immediate, confidential help is available 24/7 through these free crisis hotline numbers:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000
  • Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741

For more information on PTSD and additional resources, please read on.

PTSD helplines are widely available and provide free resources for people struggling with related issues, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, anger, and substance use.[1]

Ad

People experiencing persistent and recurring symptoms can benefit from the guidance provided through a hotline or mental health professional. However, if you or a loved one is in danger of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911 immediately.

PTSD—post-traumatic stress disorder—is a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a shocking, dangerous, or life-threatening event, such as war, natural disaster, rape, abuse, or an accident.[1,2] It is diagnosed when symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with relationships or work. The symptoms also must not be related to medication, substance use, or other medical conditions.[2]

grieving woman dealing with PTSD

Therapists are Standing By to Treat Your Depression, Anxiety or Other Mental Health Needs

Explore Your Options Today

Ad

PTSD can manifest in four forms, based on the intensity of the symptoms: mild, moderate, severe, or extreme. Each person is uniquely impacted. Signs of PTSD may begin to show soon after the traumatic event, but some people experience a delayed onset of symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

  • Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat or sweating
  • Nightmares
  • Frightening thoughts
  • Compulsive avoidance of places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
  • Avoidance of thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
  • Being easily startled
  • Tense or “on edge” feelings
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Angry outbursts
  • Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
  • Distorted feelings, such as guilt or blame
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

PTSD symptoms disrupt a person’s daily routine. People, places, or things that remind a person of the traumatic event can trigger an episode. These symptoms may cause a person to change their routine. For example, after being attacked by a dog, a person may avoid animals or pets altogether.

Children may react to traumatic events differently than adults. Signs that your child may be experiencing PTSD include:[2]

  • Wetting the bed after being potty-trained
  • Forgetting how to talk or refusing to talk at all
  • Acting out the traumatic event during playtime
  • Clinging on to parents or the inability to be alone

Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD, says, "Psychotherapy alone can help manage PTSD symptoms in many cases. In other cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are needed to treat this condition. Seeking treatment for PTSD early often leads to better outcomes."

What is Trauma?

home destroyed by natural disaster

When PTSD was first identified as a mental health disorder, it was thought that trauma comprised extreme life stressors “outside the range of normal human experience.”[5]

Traumatic situations that commonly trigger PTSD include:[2]

  • Enduring a natural disaster or war
  • Experiencing prolonged physical torture
  • Surviving abuse, rape, or a threat to your life
  • Experiencing an unexpected death or loss of a loved one
  • Crime, burglary, or a gunshot accident
  • Being involved in vehicular or industrial accidents
  • Being attacked by an animal
  • Witnessing another person's severe injury or death
  • Having little or no support after a traumatic event

It is natural to have some PTSD symptoms after a dangerous or life-threatening event. Sometimes, people have very serious symptoms that dissipate after a few weeks. However, individuals who receive the diagnosis of PTSD  endure symptoms that last more than a month and seriously impact their ability to function. Although many individuals with PTSD experience symptoms within 3 months after a trauma, some will develop symptoms later

As Dr.Brindusa Vanta, MD, says, "The leading triggers of PTSD in men are combat and witnessing death or a severe injury. The most common traumatic experiences that trigger PTSD in women are rape and sexual abuse."

Risk Factors for PTSD

Many people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their life, yet not everyone who does will develop PTSD. In fact, most tend to recover naturally.[2] Some people are more susceptible to PTSD, especially those already dealing with mental illness or substance use disorder.[2]

Depression, substance use, or an anxiety disorder often accompany PTSD.[2] Individuals who misuse drugs or alcohol may experience more severe PTSD symptoms, higher rates of other mental health disorders, and increased risk for suicide.[3] However, research shows that when treatment improves PTSD symptoms, comorbid substance use disorder issues also improve.[3]

Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men, and veterans of war experience higher rates of PTSD than the general population due to their exposure to stress and trauma during combat.[4] 

PTSD Statistics 

Population surveys show that in the United States, 6 out of every 100 adults in the general population (or 6%) will have PTSD in their lifetime. The risk of PTSD in veterans is higher, affecting 7% of them at some point in their life. [4] While suffering from PTSD can be an isolating experience, it’s important to know you are not the only one who feels this way, and there are resources available to help you get back to leading the life you want. PTSD can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness. PTSD helplines are a nonjudgmental, safe first step in the right direction for receiving treatment.

Should I Call a PTSD Hotline Number?

Reach out to healthcare providers for assistance in relieving the effects of trauma.

It can be difficult to pick up the phone and ask for help, but calling a PTSD hotline number is a free and easy way to speak with someone knowledgeable about PTSD and the treatment options available.

All PTSD hotlines are private and confidential; specialists are trained professionals who can offer guidance and a sympathetic ear. Hotlines are also open to friends and loved ones seeking information and treatment options for someone close to them.

Calling a PTSD crisis hotline can help you:

  • Get general information about PTSD
  • Talk to someone who understands what you or your loved one is going through
  • Get help confidentially and anonymously
  • Find a counselor or therapist specializing in PTSD and/or trauma
  • Find a mental health treatment and/or substance use facility
  • Learn about how PTSD can be treated
  • Find local community PTSD support groups
  • Find resources for military vets or other special populations who suffer high rates of PTSD

What to Do in a PTSD Emergency

After recognizing a situation where immediate harm might occur—either to oneself or others—it's crucial to understand the steps to take. Here’s how to distinguish between a PTSD emergency and the need for general support, when to call 911 versus a PTSD hotline, and what immediate safety measures and stabilization techniques to apply.

Distinguishing Between a PTSD Emergency and the Need for General Support

A PTSD emergency involves situations where there's an immediate risk of harm to oneself or others, such as suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, or severe panic attacks that could lead to dangerous actions. General support through a PTSD hotline is more appropriate for managing symptoms such as flashbacks or seeking advice on treatment options.

When to Call 911 Versus a PTSD Hotline

Call 911 if:

  • There's an immediate threat to life or safety
  • The individual is in danger of harming themselves or others
  • You witness a severe mental health crisis that requires immediate intervention

Call a PTSD Hotline for:

  • Emotional support during or after a PTSD episode
  • Guidance on coping strategies and symptom management
  • Information about PTSD treatment and resources
  • Support for friends and family members on how to help

Immediate Safety Measures and Stabilization Techniques

  • Ensure Physical Safety: Remove any immediate dangers from the environment, such as weapons or harmful substances.
  • Use Grounding Techniques:
    Help the person focus on the present by encouraging them to describe their surroundings or use sensory experiences, such as holding a cold object or smelling a particular scent.
  • Practice Breathing Exercises:
    Guide them through slow, deep breaths to help reduce panic and stabilize their heart rate.
  • Stay Calm and Supportive: Maintain a calm demeanor. Offer reassurance that they are safe and not alone.
  • Avoid Confrontation:
    Do not argue or challenge their feelings. Instead, listen and provide affirming supportive statements.
  • Seek Professional Help: After stabilizing the immediate situation, seek professional help. If the crisis is not life-threatening but still urgent, consider calling a PTSD hotline for advice on the next steps.

What Questions Should I Ask When Calling a PTSD Helpline Number?

PTSD hotline professional answering phone calls

Calling a PTSD hotline number is a great way to get confidential answers to your questions. Often, people are neither aware of the signs and symptoms of PTSD nor familiar with the best methods of treatment.

If someone develops PTSD because of an ongoing source of trauma, such as an abusive relationship, they will need help addressing their mental health issues as well as the traumatic environment contributing to them. Other associated issues can include panic disorder, chronic depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.[2]

The purpose of a PTSD hotline is to provide information and connect you to services. Here are some questions you may want to write down before calling a PTSD crisis hotline about your condition:

  • How do I know if I have PTSD?
  • What do I do if I’m having a flashback or recurring nightmare?
  • Can PTSD be treated or overcome?
  • Do I need medication or therapy?
  • What are the symptoms of PTSD?
  • What if I have other mental health issues?
  • Do I need to go to a special treatment program for PTSD?
  • How do I find the best form of treatment for my issues?
  • How much does PTSD treatment cost? Will my insurance cover it?
  • Will I ever feel normal?
  • What are the next steps I should take?

Family members and friends can feel lost trying to find help for a loved one. It may also be hard for the person struggling with PTSD to ask for help. Friends and family members are often the catalyst that allows someone to receive the critical help they need. It is important to realize that it may take time, but with treatment, your loved one can recover.[2] A post-traumatic stress disorder helpline can help point you in the right direction.

Here are some questions to ask if you are calling about a loved one’s condition:

  • What should I do if I think my loved one needs help for PTSD?
  • What resources are available for family members/friends of people with PTSD?
  • How do I confront the person about their PTSD and encourage them to seek help?
  • What should I do if I think they’re in danger of hurting themselves or someone else?
  • What are the symptoms of PTSD?
  • What are the triggers for a PTSD episode?
  • How do I talk to my loved one about their problem and show my support?
  • What if my loved one displays signs of alcohol or drug misuse?
  • How do I cope while my loved one is going through this?

Free PTSD Crisis Hotline Numbers 

Hotlines are a free and easy way to get more information and resources on PTSD. They provide confidential guidance and can answer your questions, directing you to the best care. There are several free and confidential national hotlines at your disposal.

If you experience suicidal thoughts during a PTSD episode and don’t know where to turn, the National Suicide Prevention number can offer guidance and the strength to find help. This number is free and provides 24-hour support for people in distress or crisis, as well as resources for you or your loved ones.

When you’re ready to seek treatment for your PTSD, SAMHSA’s hotline can help you locate mental health facilities in your area. This free national hotline is available 24/7 and can also direct you to local support groups, community-based organizations, and other mental health resources. You can also visit their online treatment locator.

PTSD can be especially challenging for children and teenagers who experience the additional pressures of school, social circles, and a developing sense of self. The Boys Town hotline is an excellent resource for both adolescents and parents to learn more about coping with PTSD and healing as a family. The free, 24-hour service allows kids to ask questions anonymously via phone, text, chat, or email. 

If you’re in the grips of a PTSD flashback, talking to a stranger on the phone may be the last thing you want (or are able) to do. Luckily, help for people in crisis is just a text away. This free, 24/7 support service provides access to trained crisis counselors via text message, helping you break out of the PTSD episode and take the next step toward getting help. 

If you are struggling with substance abuse, get help now.

Let's verify your coverage for treatment at an American Addiction Centers location. Your information is always confidential.

Sources 

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
  2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
  3. Killeen T., Back S., & Brady K. (2015). Implementation of Integrated Therapies for Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders in Community Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. Drug and Alcohol Review, 34; 234–241.
  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2016). How Common is PTSD?
  5. Keane T. and Barlow D. (2008). A Guide to Assessments That Work. 293–315.

Additional Resources

As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services.

MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from the above-listed companies should you choose to use their services.

Ad