Be aware

Since 2010, the U.S. has recognized June 27th as National PTSD Awareness Day. The depictions you’ve seen on TV or in the movies are not always what PTSD looks like. Educate yourself. Take the time to learn about some of the ways post-traumatic stress can impact survivors and the people who care about them. Developing a better understanding of this disorder is one way you can help support those who are struggling with it. For more information, check out my resources page, or go to www.ptsd.va.gov.

For a fabulous list of organizations that offer support or are spreading awareness about PTSD, please check out this link from the National Center for PTSD.

PTSD is a lot more common than you probably realize. Some of the possible causes include:

• rape or sexual assault
• combat experience
• serving as a first responder or emergency medical provider
• child abuse or neglect
• domestic violence or abuse
• serious accidents
• physical assault
• repeated exposure to details of someone else’s trauma
• natural disaster
• unexpected death of a loved one
• community violence
• near-death experience

If you’ve experienced a trauma and have noticed changes in the way you think, feel, or behave, it’s ok to ask for help. There are effective ways to reduce or resolve your overpowering symptoms. You don’t have to live with them forever. Trust me, it is possible to be free again. Why wait?