Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

The 2023 CSTS Annual Report is now available. In this comprehensive report, you can read summaries of the Center's work in responding to the mental health effects of war, mass violence, and natural disasters, as well as our continuing work in both military and civilian populations to enhance psychological health, speed the recovery from, and help prevent the negative consequences of trauma on individuals, families, communities, and the nation.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Join us in promoting suicide prevention resources available through the Military Health System: https://lnkd.in/ethHQmUS #ConnectToProtect

The CSTS Child and Family Team collaborated with The National Capital Consortium Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Walter Reed National Medical Military Medical Center. This collaboration resulted in a new opportunity for Fellows to expand their experiences through contributing to scientific research, podium talks, and conference presentations, all contributing to caring for the Nation’s military-connected children and families. Full article: https://lnkd.in/gkEJviUh

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month. Self-care is important for your mental, physical, and social wellbeing. CSTS personnel were polled on their most beneficial health care tips. Over half responded with adequate sleep being the most beneficial self-care tip. Some other tips included exercising, staying hydrated, and calling a friend or loved one.

Today's International Overdose Awareness Day is one of the largest campaigns committed to ending overdoses and related harms. A CSTS study found overdose to be one of the most common methods of suicide attempt among U.S. Army Soldiers. To learn more: https://lnkd.in/dci9Vphi

Three years ago on August 30th, the Afghanistan War ended. This was the longest war in American history, lasting nearly two decades. This CSTS article provides some insight into the experiences service members faced during deployment: https://lnkd.in/dUNpDrDp

Leaders play critical roles in the recovery of communities and individuals after disasters. CSTS fact sheets in English and Spanish provide tips on Grief Leadership including: how leaders can be effective role models in communicating hope, identifying facts, managing rumors, and providing support as needs change over time. #GriefAwarenessDay English: https://lnkd.in/dR72vexv Spanish: https://lnkd.in/dxVn9_3k

The end of August marks back to school for many families. Before the school year gets underway, take a moment to evaluate your family's disaster preparedness and emergency plans. SAMHSA provides multiple resources to help families prepare for disasters to keep children and loved ones safe. Link to resources: https://lnkd.in/e6qEM93B

World Humanitarian Day honors the humanitarian aid workers who put their own lives at risk to serve others. In early 2020, National Guard servicemen and women entered into an unknown environment to help serve American citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about the mental health effects the New York National Guard experienced, take a look at this CSTS article: COVID-19 Pandemic Responses among National Guard Service Members: Stressors, Coping Strategies, Sleep Difficulties and Substance Use https://lnkd.in/e56xnvi3

As August marks the anniversaries of Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, CSTS offers Disaster Psychiatry Training videos to review community responses, interventions, and methods that may improve disaster preparedness and response. Link: https://lnkd.in/e2zi9yTP