Cues & Triggers

For people with PTSD, distress often occurs when a cue is presented that is in some way related to the memory of the initial trauma. Sometimes trauma cues are expected, like anniversaries or holidays, and sometimes unexpected, like when a natural disaster occurs.

Anniversary reactions can occur during specific events such as birthdays, holidays, and times during which a loved one may be particularly missed. These cues might also include the dates of national events such as September 11 or a military holiday, or individually cues related to a specific person's trauma.

As Veteran's Day and other holidays are approaching, it's helpful to understand trauma-relates cues and how to help a loved one experiencing PTSD symptoms.

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VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating.

Visit: https://www.familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.

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World War I—known at the time as “The Great War”—officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles near the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but helps focus attention on the purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.