Let's Learn About PTSD
Throughout the month of June, we’ve focused heavily on brain health as it relates to Alzheimer’s and dementia, as part of our Brain Health Awareness Month campaign. However, June also serves as an awareness month for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Let’s take a look at some facts and figures about PTSD.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can result from experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, military combat, sexual assault, an act of violence, natural disaster, serious accident or another traumatic event.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of PTSD can include feelings of anxiety, sadness, and anger, as well as difficulty with concentration, sleep, and even thinking through the event that occurred.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop PTSD, regardless of their age. Data from 2020 indicates that an estimated 13 million adults in the United States are living with PTSD. The presence of PTSD in military Veterans is slightly higher than that of civilians, with research indicating that military deployment increases that risk.
How does PTSD impact daily life?
With symptoms such as disrupted sleep, lack of focus, and emotional deregulation, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder poses significant challenges in everyday life. Varying biological and social factors can exacerbate these symptoms, making day-to-day experiences quite challenging and distressing for people living with PTSD.
Is there treatment for PTSD?
The American Psychiatric Association notes that “not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and not everyone who develops PTSD requires psychiatric treatment.” For some folks, the symptoms of their PTSD may lessen or disappear over time. For others, recovery may require professional treatment. There are many research-proven, effective therapies and medications dedicated to helping people recover from PTSD. Be sure to check in with your mental healthcare provider before starting or stopping any treatments.
How can I support my loved one who deals with PTSD?
Often, the best thing we can do to support a loved one living with PTSD is to reassure them that you are there for them. Yet sometimes being there for someone else doesn’t always look the way we want it to. You might feel inclined to show up physically, making your support known via your presence. Sometimes, that’s the right choice and other times it may not be. Make sure you’re checking in with your loved one. If they need space, it’s okay to respect that space. You can always remind them that you’re available whenever they’re ready for you.
Maybe your loved one needs help with some of the logistics that come along with appointment and medication management, or even someone to help with identifying available resources in your area.
Every person’s needs are unique to their experience, so there is no one-size-fits-all mold. It’s important to approach your loved one in empathy, remaining flexible to the needs they have.
For more information about PTSD, you can visit the National Institute of Mental Health. You can also do a quick google search for “PTSD support near me” to get quick access to organizations and entities in your area.