Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is observed in June and is dedicated to raising awareness of this disorder and the individuals it affects. There are currently about eight million people in the United States living with PTSD, perhaps you know one of them. PTSD Awareness Month encourages individuals to take the time to understand the day to day struggles of those who may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PTSD can happen to anyone and it is not a sign of weakness. PTSD is a mental health problem that some individuals develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, to feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after experiencing these types of events.
Some symptoms of PTSD include: being easily startled, feeling tense or keyed up, triggers or flashbacks, avoiding situations that are reminders of the traumatic event, and negative changes in feelings and beliefs. Re-experiencing symptoms may cause problems in an individual’s day to day routine.
Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. Everyone with PTSD – whether they are Veterans, survivors of sexual assault, or have experienced natural disasters, serious accidents or other traumatic events – needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
It’s important to remember not to get caught up in negative ways of coping. Using alcohol or drugs, for example, may help you to sleep and forget, but in the long run they can interfere with your health and your ability to heal. In order to start feeling better, it’s very important to find strategies that make you feel better and help you be healthy and strong.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. There are two main types of treatment: (1) psychotherapy, otherwise known as counseling or talk therapy, and (2) medication. Sometimes, people combine psychotherapy and medication. Each person is different, so allow yourself time to process what you are going through and begin to find the best ways and treatment for you to manage your symptoms.
Even though PTSD treatment works, most individuals with PTSD do not get the help they need. Help us spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. If you or someone you know needs help.