Suicide Prevention Week: Family Members First to Notice Signs of Distress Published Sept. 7, 2010 By Shari Lopatin TriWest Healthcare Alliance PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Your servicemember recently returned from a deployment. And you noticed some changes. Some may be part of the 'new normal'. But others you wonder about: bursts of anger, withdrawal from friends and family, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. Should you brush it off as just a phase? Absolutely not. Family members are often the first to recognize symptoms of stress, depression or post-traumatic stress. They can be the help for a loved one--before it's too late. But where can you turn if you're not sure what to do? Many resources are here to help, even online, through TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the company which administers your TRICARE benefits throughout 21 western states. Online Care: For life issues such as stress management, relationship problems and self-esteem, you can connect with a counselor 24/7/365 using chat and web video from your home or any Internet connection. As part of TriWest Online Care, you may have access to the TRICARE Assistance Program, or TRIAP. TRIAP offers non-medical, non-reportable video counseling sessions. To be eligible for TRIAP, you must meet one of the following criteria: An active duty service member (includes Guard/Reserve members who've been activated) An active duty service member's spouse An active duty family member 18 years or older Guard/Reserve members who've purchased coverage under TRICARE Reserve Select Eligible for TRICARE benefits under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Want more information? Curious to see what kind of help a counselor offers, even if it's guidance for you to help your spouse? Visit www.triwest.com/OnlineCare to get started. Other TriWest Resources: TriWest and TRICARE have many other resources available to support you and your spouse to include pre-deployment, post-deployment and during deployment. Behavioral Health Crisis Line, 1-866-284-3743: Having a stress crisis? Not sure what to do and need to talk? Call us here, 24/7/365. Behavioral Health Contact Center, 1-888 TRIWEST (874-9378): Information about your behavioral health benefits and help finding a counselor. TriWest Behavioral Health Portal: www.triwest.com/BH: This portal is filled with a number of resources, from literature on coping with stress and parenting problems, to a map of national support organizations. "Help from Home" video series: www.triwest.com/HelpFromHome: Watch "Help From Home," a free series of online videos (also available as a free DVD set) that offers advice from other families and experts who've lived through it, firsthand.