June Is PTSD Awareness Month: Exploring Trauma, Recovery, and Hope

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June Is Ptsd Awareness Month Let’s Talk Trauma, Recovery, and Hope

Did you know June is PTSD Awareness Month? It’s a time to shed light on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — a serious mental health condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after exposure to highly stressful or traumatic events. This may include violence, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat. It affects roughly 8 million Americans annually, including children, caregivers, and adults in our communities.

Check out the video below from Vietnam veteran Ron Whitcomb, where he shares his powerful story of navigating life with PTSD after returning from the war in the late 1960s.

PTSD Symptoms

PTSD symptoms can vary but often fall into these key categories:

Intrusive Memories

Intrusive memories can look like:

  • Recurring, unwanted, distressing memories
  • Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event)
  • Nightmares about the trauma
  • Emotional or physical distress when reminded of the event

Avoidance

Avoidance can manifest as:

  • Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations about trauma
  • Steering clear of places, people, or activities that bring back memories of trauma

Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking

Negative changes in mood and thinking can look like:

  • Negative beliefs about self, others, or the world
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Memory gaps about trauma
  • Feeling detached or estranged from loved ones
  • Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
  • Emotional numbness

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

Changes in physical and emotional reactions can manifest as:

  • Being easily startled or feeling on edge
  • Self-destructive behaviors (e.g., substance misuse, reckless driving)
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
  • Feelings of guilt or shame

PTSD in Children

For children under age 6, symptoms may also include:

  • Re-enacting the trauma during play
  • Frightening dreams

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can result from any event that feels life-threatening or overwhelming. Common causes include:

  • Combat exposure
  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Serious accidents
  • Sudden loss of a loved one
  • Childhood abuse or neglect

Treatment and Support

There is hope. PTSD treatment often includes therapy, medication, and support groups. Early intervention can make a big difference in healing and recovery.

Want to Learn More?

Click here for more information about PTSD causes, treatments, and how it affects children.

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