PTSD Awareness Day – June 27th

PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a disorder that occurs as a result of someone witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. When people think of PTSD they will often think of our veterans, but it is important to remember that this disorder can impact veterans and non-veterans and could be impacting someone around you today, even a child.

Symptoms of PTSD may include insomnia, guilt, severe anxiety, mistrust, hostility, irritability, social isolation, and more. This can all impact family life, personal relationships, professional relationships, and overall health.

When someone is struggling with PTSD is important for them to reach out and get professional help but there are also some self-help tips.

• Challenge you sense of helplessness
• Volunteer or take positive action
• Get moving
• Exercise
• Reach out to others for support
• Join a support group
• Support PTSD treatment with a healthy lifestyle
• Take time to relax, avoid alcohol and drugs, eat healthy, and get enough sleep

If you are a veteran with PTSD you can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (press 1) or 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387) to talk with another combat veteran. You can also go online to the PTSD Program Locator tool to find a VA PSTD treatment location.

If you are a non-veteran with PTSD you can call 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) to find a support group in your area.

Please remember that TES Benefits offers an Employee Assistance Program through Cigna. Do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Employee Assistance Program

Company employees and their household members are automatically covered in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administered by Cigna Behavioral Health (CBH) regardless of their enrollment status in a TES medical plan. You can find more information or reach out for assistance by going onto MyCigna.com or calling 877-622-4327.

EAP provides up to five free visits with a professional provider, as well as access to an online Education and Resource Center covering several subjects at no cost to you. This includes topics such as emotional well-being, family matters, financial health, health and wellness, personal development, stress management, and more.