June marks PTSD Awareness Month, and nestled within this month is PTSD Awareness Day on June 27.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition some people develop after experiencing a traumatic event. It may result from having been involved in war combat, a natural disaster, sexual assault, other abuse, or even a car accident.
So how do you know if you have developed PTSD? Common symptoms include feeling on edge, having upsetting memories or having a hard time falling asleep. It may also be difficult to do daily activities that were once part of everyday life. You may even find that your brain has blocked some of the difficult memories associated with the event. It’s normal to have some of these symptoms, but if they last more than a few weeks, or cause problems in your life, it’s best to seek care from a mental health professional.
A common cause of PTSD is combat exposure. PTSD in veterans, for example, has been around a long time. In the Civil War it was called “soldier’s heart,” in World War I it was “shell shock” and in World War II it was known as “battle fatigue.”
PTSD treatments have been proven to work. However, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. That’s why spreading awareness about PTSD is so important.
Take the time today — and every day — to spread the word that treatments are available. No matter where you or your loved one’s trauma originates, treatment works. A better quality of life is within reach.
