June is PTSD Awareness Month

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is among the most difficult conditions facing veterans who return from overseas conflicts. The potential for long-lasting mental suffering is very real and pronounced for the folks we try to help here in Sarasota.

June happens to be PTSD Awareness Month, and we’d like to devote some space to this pertinent topic, affecting veterans all throughout America.

What is National PTSD Awareness Month?

This is something the U.S. Senate first recognized in 2010, when they made June 27th National PTSD Day. By 2014, they took it a step further by declaring the entire month PTSD Awareness Month.

Now, the VA even publishes a June calendar with lots of information dedicated to the topic. This includes an effort to make more PTSD resources available, spanning everything from counselors, hotlines, and literature, to YouTube channels featuring various experts.

What is PTSD & How Widespread is the Problem?

We discussed PTSD to some extent in our previous post on common mental health concerns for veterans, but here’s a quick review of what we mean by it.

PTSD can come from many traumatic circumstances, including car accidents and sexual assault, but the term is most often used in the context of war veterans. Even back in antiquity, the ancient Greeks mentioned the trauma and devastation wrought upon soldiers after brutal conflicts.

PTSD received significant attention in America during World War I. That was when returning troops were said to have “shell shock” from the first conflict involving such heavy use of chemical warfare and artillery combat. By the Vietnam War, psychologists refashioned the shell shock distinction by classifying it as the mental disorder, PTSD.

To this day, it’s a condition heavily correlated with severe lifestyle problems and elevated suicide risk. Hence, why we pay so much attention to it as a veterans’ support group. 

What You Can Do to Help with PTSD?

Although you’re probably not a trained mental health professional, which means your options for directly helping may be limited, there are some ways to spread awareness. Here are a few suggestions for how to help with PTSD education and help veterans to cope with it.

• Research & Learn the Topic – The first thing you should do is develop at least a baseline understanding of the condition, which will help you comprehend what PTSD-afflicted vets endure.
• Spend Time with Struggling Vets – One terrific way to help vets cope with the problem is to spend time with them. If necessary, help them get in contact with support services, but even just ordinary companionship can go a long way in improving their lives.

SRQ Vets always appreciates any assistance you can provide for veterans around Sarasota, including through our various efforts. Don’t forget that you can always reach out to us for ways to brighten the lives of veterans in West Florida. Contact us anytime to learn how by calling 941-777-8387.