Spread the Word: PTSD Awareness Month

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects nearly 8% of the population at some point in their lives, with women nearly twice as likely as men to develop the disorder. PTSD usually occurs after some form of trauma a person experiences in their lifetime, and although in the general population 8% of people may develop PTSD, nearly 30% of veterans and others who have experienced a war zone will develop it. Those who suffer from PTSD often relive their stressful, traumatic experience in the form of:

• Nightmares

• Uncontrollable triggered flashbacks

And may experience:

• Difficulty staying asleep

• Feeling detached from loved ones and their everyday lives

The majority of those with PTSD will return to their closest form of normality over time, but, for some, the disorder will stay with them and may even worsen with time.

In many severe cases of PTSD, symptoms include:

• Difficulty completing everyday tasks

• Inability to keep steady employment

• Severe psychological symptoms including depression, memory and cognition issues

These symptoms may result in disability for the survivor.

Because of the hardships faced by those with PTSD, the National Center for PTSD promotes its awareness and treatments throughout the year. In 2010, Congress named June 27th PTSD Awareness Day to be held annually. Then, in 2014, the Senate voted on designating the full month of June for National PTSD Awareness. The progress in awareness will shift the paradigm of the disorder to becoming more fully understood by the public, and, hopefully, even fully accepted. It is important to understand the experiences of those with PTSD so that we can help them further.

Throughout the month of June, Congress and the Senate will encourage those suffering to help themselves and help spread the word about PTSD. Many resources to get involved are available on their website where the following can be found:

• PTSD facts and treatment options

• Tips on what to do if you think you might have PTSD

• Self-help tools

• Support for family and friends

• Materials on how to organize a PTSD awareness event

With PTSD awareness month, you can get involved by "learning, connecting, and sharing" with others about this disorder. Find more here. Support your loved ones show them you care, that you are there for them.

Help them Thrive.