June Spotlight: PTSD Awareness Month
When you think of PTSD, what comes to mind?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is often associated with military veterans. While PTSD is unfortunately prevalent in the military community, PTSD can affect anyone at any age after experiencing or witnessing any sort of traumatic event – this can include (but is not limited to) serious accidents, violence, natural disasters, health emergencies, and military combat. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD, about 12 million adults in the U.S. have PTSD in a given year.
June is PTSD Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce its stigma, and help ensure those who are suffering from this condition receive support and treatment.
After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, it’s normal to have upsetting memories, trouble sleeping, or general distress. However, if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms for longer than a few weeks or they’re interfering with your work and home life, it may be PTSD.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from PTSD, know that you are not alone and there is support available.
- 24/7 Crisis Support
- 988 is the free, 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. There is also a website with more information.
- For the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 then press 1.
- Treatment Options
- Find a therapist or mental health provider that works for you. If you have health insurance, you could call or visit their website to see which providers are in-network. You can also search for one on sites like Psychology Today that allow you to filter based on you preferences (e.g., type of therapy, specialties, online or in person, language, etc.).
- For some, medicine may help manage symptoms. Your physician can help determine the best treatment for your symptoms.
- Reach out to a loved one.
- Your loved ones want to support and help you – it’s okay to reach out to share how you’re feeling and ask for help.
- If a loved one reaches out to you, you also have resources.
Symptoms of PTSD may not look or feel exactly the same for everyone. If you or someone you know may be suffering from PTSD, reach out for help.
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Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (2022). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/
Help Raise PTSD Awareness – PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Www.ptsd.va.gov. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp
June is PTSD Awareness Month – Community Health of Central Washington. (2022, June 2). https://www.chcw.org/june-is-ptsd-awareness-month/
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 2024. (2021, June 2). Hr.nih.gov. https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-2024
SAMHSA Recognizes Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. (2022, June 27). Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-awareness-month
Disclaimer
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your condition best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI