June is National PTSD Awareness Month. During this month, it’s important that mental health advocates spread awareness about this mental health issue and help people learn about what leads to PTSD, how to cope with PTSD, and available treatments. This way, people living with this mental health condition can learn more about how they can better manage symptoms associated with this condition. And, understand that there is available and successful help for them in order to live a more fulfilling life of mental wellbeing.
Some of the things to learn about trauma and PTSD during PTSD awareness month include:
When many people think about PTSD, they may imagine war veterans who have been traumatized by their experiences with war combat. And, while a number of war veterans do develop PTSD, war combat is not the only experience of trauma that can lead to the development of PTSD. PTSD can develop in anyone who has experienced a traumatic experience. Some examples of traumatic experiences that can lead to the development of PTSD can include:
There is no one cause of PTSD, and recognizing this can make it easier for people who may be living with this disorder to understand that they may need help.
Many people may not understand that PTSD isn’t actually rare. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD in up to 8% of the population. While many people may experience a traumatic event and not develop PTSD, for those that do, the development of PTSD isn’t something that is uncommon. This makes it even more important to make PTSD treatment and assistance more accessible to all.
Not all people who develop PTSD may experience it the same way. For example, not everyone with PTSD will experience the same symptoms of the disorder. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms can be the result of experiencing triggers. And, not everyone’s PTSD triggers will be the same. For example, some people with PTSD may be triggered to experience a flashback of their traumatic event when they hear a loud noise. But, this may not be the case for every individual with PTSD. This is because each traumatic experience differs and is personal to an individual’s experience with trauma, how they interpret their experience, and how their mind and body react to their individual traumatic experiences.
PTSD awareness month is all about spreading awareness about PTSD so that people living with this condition may get the help they need to have better lives. Some of the things you can do to help the PTSD community include:
If you or a loved one may be living with PTSD, it’s important that you are aware of successful and available treatment options. For example, outpatient trauma programs are available through Delray Center for Healing. Find out more about these treatment services on our website.
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.