PTSD Awareness Day: Healing from Trauma Together
June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day, or National PTSD Awareness Day, a global pledge to understand and acknowledge the profound impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition can surface after someone has witnessed or experienced traumatic events.
This day aims to debunk myths and dismantle the harmful stigma that frequently surrounds it. Cultivate empathy and support as you read more about this occasion.
Featured in: June - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
History and Background of PTSD Awareness Day
PTSD Awareness Day started in 2010 after its recognition by the United States Congress. They chose June 27, the birthday of two-tour Iraq veteran Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. Sadly, Biel battled PTSD upon his return home; he tragically died by suicide in 2007.
In 2014, the Senate declared June as PTSD Awareness Month, thanks to the advocacy of the National Center for PTSD.
The day aims to raise PTSD awareness by focusing on the diverse faces of those living with PTSD. From battle-hardened veterans to Hollywood's bright stars, their personal stories have broken down societal stigmas. Their experiences encouraged more people to step forward and seek help.
Related Read: World Mental Health Day, National Recovery Month.
The Cause and Its Challenges
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder affects everyone: children, adults, witnesses of a horrific accident, survivors of a natural disaster, or victims of personal assault or war.
Living with PTSD entails enduring distressing memories, nightmares, and even flashbacks. Any reminder of the trauma can trigger intense emotional upheaval and physical reactions.
Moreover, PTSD also affects one’s thoughts and moods. It distorts feelings and paints them with guilt or blame, sapping the joy out of favorite activities and detaching oneself from others. For an in-depth look at this illness, read the diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that about 3.5% of U.S. adults grapple with PTSD each year. Moreover, 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with this condition eventually.
PTSD makes the simplest tasks seem impossible, strains relationships, hampers work, and isolates individuals from their communities. Through the awareness day, people with this illness can receive the treatment and support they need.
Why PTSD Awareness Day Matters
PTSD Awareness Day is vitally important for several reasons. PTSD is often seen as a silent killer. It's not confined to military members returning from combat, as society frequently perceives, but it can affect anyone who has experienced trauma.
Public cognizance about PTSD can empower those silently battling this condition to seek treatment such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, and Group and Family therapy.
Medication complements these therapies, managing symptoms and enabling patients to gain maximum benefit from concurrent treatments. Antidepressants, SSRIs, and SNRIs, alongside others for anxiety and sleep issues, can significantly ease PTSD symptoms.
Lastly, complementary treatments like acupuncture, yoga, and animal-assisted therapy present innovative approaches to handling PTSD outside traditional mental health settings. Peer support groups can likewise be incredibly beneficial.
By illuminating these aspects on PTSD Awareness Day, we can hopefully bring more understanding and compassion to a usually unseen struggle.
Efforts and Initiatives
The American Psychological Association (APA) leads the charge against many mental health issues, including PTSD. Their guidelines have shaped how we understand and manage PTSD worldwide.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs launched a campaign called "AboutFace." This campaign sheds light on the experiences of veterans living with PTSD, educating the public and inspiring veterans to reach out, seek help, and know they're not alone.
Moreover, the PTSD Foundation of America offers a lifeline to combat veterans and their families through "Camp Hope." It's a safe space offering temporary housing and a supportive environment for those wrestling with PTSD.
Moreover, the PTSD Association of Canada focuses on education and resources, such as mental health providers. They've also built an invaluable network for those living with PTSD.
How to Get Involved and Support PTSD Awareness Day
- Support the fight against PTSD by taking the pledge to raise awareness.
- Register for a community-guided or virtual walk to show solidarity with PTSD warriors.
- Complete an online PTSD self-screen to gain a better understanding of the condition.
- Disseminate useful resources such as treatment options and crisis hotlines to provide immediate help.
- Directly connect with acquaintances living with PTSD, offering them support and understanding.
- Gain knowledge about PTSD and disseminate this information online to increase societal awareness.
- Make monetary contributions to reputable organizations dedicated to PTSD sufferers, aiding in research and recovery programs.
Conclusion
PTSD Awareness Day is a powerful symbol of hope, a platform for education, and a driving force for societal change. This event breaks the silence surrounding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition impacting millions worldwide that hides behind misunderstanding and stigma.
It amplifies the voices of those with PTSD, shedding light on the realities of this disorder and encouraging acceptance and empathy. Let’s stand alongside those fighting PTSD every day.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The acronym stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Common PTSD symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behavior, heightened anxiety, changes in mood, and trouble sleeping.
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as military personnel, survivors of abuse or violence, accident victims, and first responders, can develop PTSD.
The diagnosis comes after a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, who assesses the individual's symptoms, history, and the impact of the traumatic event on their daily life.
Yes. PTSD treatment options include therapy, medication, and self-care techniques. With the proper support and intervention, individuals with PTSD can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall well-being.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
