Join PN Online and take a step to raise PTSD awareness
The National Center for PTSD promotes awareness of PTSD and effective treatments throughout the year. Starting in 2010, Congress named June 27th PTSD Awareness Day (S. Res. 455). Since then, during the month of June, we ask everyone to help us raise PTSD awareness.
Following trauma, most people experience stress reactions but many do not develop PTSD. Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not. However, if stress reactions do not improve over time and they disrupt everyday life, help should be sought to determine if PTSD is a factor.
The purpose of PTSD Awareness Month is to encourage everyone to raise public awareness of PTSD and its effective treatments so that everyone can help people affected by PTSD. Take the Step: Raise PTSD Awareness
The 2013 PTSD Awareness Month campaign invites you to "Take the Step." Raise PTSD awareness by:
Learning more about PTSD
Challenging your beliefs
Exploring the options
Reaching out and making a difference
Each week in June, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will highlight a topic with specific information, resources, and supports for you to use. Be prepared so you can help someone who has PTSD take the step to get needed care. Getting help for PTSD takes strength and support.
"There are many barriers that keep people with PTSD from seeking the help they need. Knowledge and awareness, however, are key to overcoming these barriers. For those living with PTSD, knowing there are treatments that work, for example, can lead them to seek needed care.
Greater public awareness of PTSD can help reduce the stigma of this mental health problem and overcome negative stereotypes that may keep many people from pursuing treatment." – Dr. Matthew Friedman, Executive Director of the National Center for PTSD
Commitment to Veterans and Others
VA provides effective treatment for our Nation's Veterans and conducts research on PTSD, including the prevention of stress disorders. "As Americans, every day of the year should be focused on assisting those who have served this nation so bravely," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "But in June, we take special care in focusing on those with PTSD."
