National Center for PTSD Awareness

PTSD Awareness Month is a good thing as long as people are aware of facts and don't settle for what is all too common online.

First is, veterans are not stuck where they are. There is help to heal and there are generations of other veterans living proof of that fact. There are sadly far too many who never found what they needed to heal. Those two facts are something the leaders need to become aware of so they can finally do something that will clue everyone in that after war does not have to be more dangerous to them.

Families are key to helping veterans heal but they need to be aware of what PTSD is and why someone they love is suffering so much.

Friends need to stop being stupid and stop saying things because they read something online or because they felt they had to say something. Stop talking and start listening. Most of the time your buddy just needs to talk about what is going on and feel supported, not judged. Be aware of they are in need of more support than you can give and clue someone in on it. If you are wrong, then you may lose your buddy but at least they'll know you cared about their life. If you're right, you can save their life.

About 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.

Raise PTSD Awareness

Learn. Connect. Share.

• Learn: PTSD treatment can help
• Connect: Reach out to someone
• Share: Spread the word

You can make a difference!

"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, Former 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."

This started in 2010 but suicides went up so be aware, more has to be done but the right stuff not just anything. Be aware that as VA Secretary Shinseki had to resign over a few deaths, there are thousands more no one seems to think about. 12,000 veterans attempt suicide every year and over 8,000 succeed. Most of them are Vietnam veterans. Another topic no one seems to want to talk about.