I ran across a couple of PTSD and CPTSD apps that look helpful, free, and easy.
Why apps? Because it’s important to track symptoms and emotions, gain valuable information about your triggers and what you can do about them, and find support.
Plus, many of us already have our phones with us most of the time. What better way to use them than with PTSD and CPTSD recovery?
While these were created by the VA for current and past military servicemembers, this resource is easy to access for civilians as well. They are all very highly rated in both app stores, just be aware that they probably contain information that doesn’t apply to you if you are not in the military.
The First PTSD & CPTSD App
Created by VA’s National Center for PTSD and DoD’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology, PTSD Coach was designed for Veterans and military Servicemembers who have, or may have, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This app provides users with education about PTSD, information about professional care, a self-assessment for PTSD, opportunities to find support, and tools that can help users manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD. Tools range from relaxation skills and positive self-talk to anger management and other common self-help strategies. Users can customize tools based on their preferences and can integrate their own contacts, photos, and music. This app can be used by people who are in treatment as well as those who are not.
Find this app in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store
The Second PTSD & CPTSD App
Safety Plan is here to help you make a plan for dealing with thoughts of suicide and self-harm. The app will walk you through filling out the 6 steps of a safety plan, share your safety plan with your loved ones, and use your safety plan in a moment of crisis. The app also includes audio and interactive tools to help you calm down, information for you and your loved ones about safety plans and suicide, mood tracking, and ready access to crisis support.
Safety Plan is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs app, developed by the National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division and the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Find this app in the Google Play and Apple Store
And ONE EXTRA PTSD App for family members ~
PTSD Family Coach is for family members of those living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The app provides extensive information about PTSD, how to take care of yourself, how to take care of your relationship with your loved one or with children, and how to help your loved one get the treatment they deserve. The app also provides a great deal of information that is specific to Veterans and active duty members of the military.
Living with a family member who has PTSD can be incredibly stressful, and PTSD Family Coach includes 24 unique tools to help you manage this stress, including mindfulness exercises, tools to help you re-build your social networks, and tools to help with difficult thoughts and emotions you may be experiencing. The app also provides a way for you to track your stress level over time, using scientifically valid measures, and can provide specific feedback about your progress. Finally, PTSD Family Coach offers a number of ways for you, and your loved one, to connect with support.
PTSD Family Coach was created by VA’s National Center for PTSD and DoD’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology.
Find this app in the Google Play and Apple Store.
Try Trauma Recovery & Grief Recovery Coaching
Sign up here to get a free copy of Five Things Every Trauma Survivor Needs to Know AND
61 Tips About the Grief Experience.
Find out more about Trauma and Grief Recovery Coaching
I offer one-on-one sessions, groups, PTSD Remediation, and classes. Appointments are offered in-person and online.
Try Trauma Recovery and Grief Recovery Coaching for Free! Book a free 30-minute discovery call and find out more!