#JUNE NEWSLETTER

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result after a traumatizing experience such as combat, accidents, verbal, physical or sexual assault. This mental health condition gained more attention from soldiers returning home after war, but  now we know that men, women, and children alike can develop PTSD. It could take time to process a negative experience, and symptoms can appear within a month or years after a traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Disturbing memories
• Nightmares
• Have trouble sleeping
• Feel irritable or angry
• Have trouble concentrating
• Feel hyper-vigilant or on guard for fear of danger
• Experience flashback memories

(Triumph, 2020)

Facts About PTSD

• 6 million Americans have PTSD and 7 out of 8 people will experience this at some point in their life
• Women are 10% more likely to experience PTSD due to sexual assault or child sexual abuse
• There are 2 types of trauma: A life-threatening experience such as war, violence, or natural disasters, and a non-life threatening experience such as financial hardship, relocating abruptly, or divorce
• PTSD is not only from personal experiences, but many people can develop this condition from what they heard or witnessed from someone who had a traumatic event
• 78% of those diagnosed with PTSD suffer from depression at some point and more likely to attempt suicide
• People with PTSD are 2-4 times more likely to have a substance abuse disorder
• Almost 300,000 veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have PTSD, and 2/3 of them had major depression. Sadly, 20 veterans commit suicide daily in the U.S.

(National Today, 2021), (Triumph, 2020)

How Can You Help Someone with PTSD?

Help raise awareness. The more we talk about PTSD, the more people will speak up about their mental health disorders and ask for help.

Understand PTSD. Know different factors that could increase a person’s chances of developing PTSD, possible triggers, and treatment options.

Get support. Learn the different resources available for anyone suffering from PTSD and integrate self-care techniques and coping strategies to manage stressful situations. Finding a therapist may be beneficial to help with fears and intrusive thoughts.

(Mayo Clinic, 2018)

Check in with friends and family who struggle with PTSD. Learn how people may present symptoms differently when processing their trauma. Be understanding if social settings or conversations trigger their PTSD and speak up if you notice an increase in their drinking habits or display depressive thoughts and actions. Help end the stigma and show your support to all individuals battling a mental health disorder.

Amourie Johnson, RN

If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Disclaimer: Although I am a health professional, I am not a mental health specialist, and this article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice from a mental health provider. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and will give credit to the source as a guide and reference to my thoughts and views.

#REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973

National Today (2021). National PTSD Awareness Month. Retrieved from https://nationaltoday.com/national-ptsd-awareness-month/

Triumph (2020). June is PTSD Awareness Month. Retrieved from https://www.triumphtx.org/june-is-ptsd-awareness-month/