Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. 

For service members, these events can include:

  • Combat exposure
  • Being physically injured
  • Seeing others killed or wounded
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Serious accidents
  • Sexual or physical assault

After the event, it’s natural to feel scared, confused or angry. However, if these feelings don’t go away with time, or they get worse, you may have PTSD.

Confidential Help is Available

You’re not alone. We’re here to help. Call the confidential phone number at 1-877-455-4927 at any time day or night or visit www.illinoiswarrior.org to chat with a specialist. Call now – 877-455-IWAP (4927).

IWAP warm helpline is NOT a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call 988 and select 1 or in an emergency call 911.

How does PTSD develop?

PTSD can develop when someone lives through a traumatic event where they have witnessed horrifying events, which have left them feeling helpless and fearful for their lives. How likely you are to get PTSD depends on several things:

  • How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted
  • If you lost someone you were close to or were hurt
  • How strong your reaction was
  • How much you felt in control of events
  • How much help and support you got after the event

Many people who develop PTSD get better over time. But about one out of three people may need help or treatment for PTSD. Help is available through IWAP program 24/7. Call (877) 455-IWAP (4927).

man looking down

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

  • Do you have trouble sleeping?
  • Having difficulty remembering?
  • Trouble concentrating?
  • Are you angry, irritable or anxious much of the time?
  • Do you have frightening thoughts or nightmares?
  • Are you jumpy or easily startled?
  • Are you emotionally numb or do you feel detached from other people and relationships?

These are not signs of weakness. These are common signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.

It’s important to get help now. Left untreated, PTSD often leads to other devastating problems such as:
  • Alcohol abuse or drug problems
  • Feelings of hopelessness, shame or ‘survivor’s guilt’
  • Employment problems
  • Relationships problems including divorce and violence

What treatments are available?

Fortunately, there are many excellent treatments for PTSD available, including talk therapy, group therapy and medications. The first step is to be connected to services for PTSD. Call Illinois Warrior Assistance Program at (877) 455-IWAP (4927).

IWAP is a confidential resource provided by the State of Illinois. It is not connected to the U.S. Armed Forces or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

IWAP services are provided by Illinois Joining Forces.

Get Help Now

Call the confidential warm helpline at 1-877-455-4927 or visit the web with live chat availability at www.illinoiswarrior.org any time day or night to connect to a Care Coordination Specialist.

IWAP warm helpline is NOT a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call 988 and select 1 or in an emergency call 911

Contact Us