Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July. Disability Pride started in 1990, the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This month is an opportunity to acknowledge and respect the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community.

We encourage you to discover Timm Lovitt’s story about being a Veteran with a traumatic brain injury. After a traumatic event in Iraq, Lovitt did not realize his symptoms may be caused by PTSD.

Did you know chronic pain and PTSD can be related? Some people's chronic pain stems from a traumatic event. The person in pain may not even realize the connection between their pain and a traumatic event. However, chronic pain for months or years can affect your daily life and emotional health. Explore our chronic pain guide to learn more.

CHRONIC PAIN AND PTSD

If you experience PTSD from a traumatic event that occurred during your service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Find out if you may be eligible.

VA’s National Center for PTSD, and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center of VISN 4, is studying 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.

PARTICIPATE

STAIR Coach

STAIR Coach supplements psychotherapy using Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR). STAIR is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral form of psychotherapy designed to help with emotion regulation and interpersonal relationship problems that traumatized people commonly experience. STAIR is ideal for addressing two of the most common, and burdensome, problems faced by those living with PTSD: mood changes (e.g., anger, sadness, anxiety) and social challenges (e.g., communicating with friends/loved ones, changes in family relationships, successfully navigating workplace relationships). STAIR provides users with concrete skills for managing complex emotions and becoming more socially engaged. Features include: In-depth information about STAIR Interactive tools for emotion and behavior management Customizable reminders Quick links to support   Download the app: