Pvt Charles J Shutt Detachment VAVS

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a growing diagnosis within the military community. More and more servicemembers suffer from PTSD or PTSD-like symptoms after long deployments. In fact, one in six veterans was diagnosed with PTSD in 2005, according to an Austin American-Statesman report.

What's more, veterans diagnosed with PTSD have been stigmatized in the civilian workplace, reports ADAWatch.org (the website for the Americans with Disabilities Act). And although it is prohibited to deny veterans employment, this stigma often makes it difficult for veterans to find a job, or maintain current employment.

However, the National Mental Health Association and Monster.com are ready to help veterans cope with PTSD in a new job by offering the following tips:

* Accept your feelings. You may find yourself denying the warning signs or worrying what others may think. But, if you accept that these feelings are normal and common among others you can move past what co-workers might think.
* Educate yourself. Learn about the diagnosis, symptoms and available treatments. Local Mental Health Associations, public libraries and the Internet are all good resources.
* Establish a support network. Seek out your own support from family and friends. Self-help and support groups also provide an opportunity to talk with other people who experience the same types of issues you are. They can listen and offer valuable advice.
* Know your benefits. Investigate whether or not your employer-sponsored health plan covers treatments for PTSD. If not, double check with the VA to see what your options are.
* Understand that it's not just about medication. Recovery from PTSD isn't only a matter of "just staying on your medication." Self-esteem, social support and a feeling of contributing to society are also essential elements of recovery and should be supported.
* Stay on a regime you know keeps you stable. If your medication works, don't take med vacations without your doctor's expressed approval. Stay away from substances you know will impair your functioning, and try to get regular exercise -- one of the best stress releaser of all.

The best thing you can do to cope with your PTSD is to maintain hope. If you maintain your treatments and accept help from your employer, the military and your loved ones, you will overcome this diagnosis and have a productive life and career.