The goal of PTSD Awareness Day is to promote open discussion about PTSD, educate the public, and provide people who have PTSD with access to help. Symptoms of PTSD can be seen in both Veterans and non-Veterans, and it is important to know that PTSD treatments work. PTSD can be caused by many events, including crimes, accidents, and natural disasters, but the root cause is trauma. Those suffering from PTSD may feel hypervigilant, experience mood swings, or have recurring flashbacks.
What is PTSD?
PTSD affects people who directly experience trauma such as combat or car accidents or witness one. It can also occur in people who “pick up the pieces” after traumatic events, such as emergency workers and law enforcement officers. It can even affect family members who care for those injured.
Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, unwanted or recurring thoughts, or vivid nightmares that feel like they are reliving the event. Other symptoms may be a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, feelings of fear or horror, anger, guilt or shame, and feeling flat or detached. You may also have trouble sleeping, become easily startled or irritable, and have difficulty concentrating.
Some PTSD symptoms disappear in two or more weeks after a traumatic event, but it is important to talk with your doctor if they last longer. Early treatment may help prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Most people with PTSD find relief through psychotherapy or counseling (or “talk therapy”) and certain medications. It is also important to avoid drugs and alcohol, which can interfere with treatment. Getting support from family and friends is helpful too. Often, people with PTSD withdraw from those close to them or have a hard time relating to them.
Treatment
Effective treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy) and, in some cases, medication. Early intervention and seeking professional help can lead to better outcomes for individuals with PTSD. On PTSD Awareness Day, various organizations, mental health advocates, and healthcare providers engage in awareness campaigns to share information about PTSD, its effects, and available resources for support and treatment.
PTSD is commonly associated with military veterans due to the exposure to combat and other traumatic experiences during their service. Many initiatives focus on raising awareness about PTSD, specifically among veterans and providing them with specialized care and support. One of the main goals of PTSD Awareness Day is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. By increasing understanding and empathy, the hope is that individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD will be more likely to seek help without fear of judgment.
PTSD is not limited to any specific country or culture. PTSD Awareness Day is observed internationally, with various events, discussions, and initiatives taking place to promote awareness and understanding of the condition. there are numerous resources available for individuals seeking more information about PTSD, including mental health organizations, hotlines, websites, and support groups that provide guidance, education, and access to professional help.
PTSD Awareness Day
National PTSD Awareness Day is held on June 27 and was created by former North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad. He was trying to honor the memory of Army Staff Sgt. Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard took his own life after suffering from PTSD and two tours of duty in Iraq. The day of awareness focuses on raising awareness about the illness and letting people know that help is available. PTSD symptoms can be caused by a wide variety of things, including violent crimes and natural disasters, but the condition is often triggered by military service, as many veterans suffer from it.
Those who have PTSD are also more likely to experience other health issues, such as depression, drug or alcohol abuse, and problems with memory and cognition. They are also at an increased risk of suicide, and one study cited by the National Center for PTSD found that those with PTSD had 13 times the rate of suicide as those without the disorder.
PTSD is an incredibly misunderstood condition, and there is still a long way to go in terms of awareness and understanding. The goal of PTSD Awareness Day is to let people know that help is available and that treatment works.
