June is “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month”
United In Service during PTSD Awareness Month and throughout the year to help raise awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and reach out to make a difference in the lives of veterans.
PTSD is one of the most common mental health challenges veterans face. In some cases, it can be even more debilitating than physical wounds.
Some PTSD factors include veterans’ stress related to transitions into civilian life after serving.
Many veterans don’t know they are suffering from mental health issues due to the stereotype that mental illness exists only in extreme circumstances. In reality, it is not uncommon.
On AboutFace, Veterans, family members and clinicians share their experiences with PTSD and PTSD treatment in moving film clips. Learn what you can do to help yourself or a loved one, from the stories of people who have been there.
- Hear from Veterans spanning over 6 decades of conflict.
- Hear family members share their perspectives.
- Hear clinicians take the mystery out of PTSD and PTSD treatment.
- Learn what options are out there for you.
Watch and Learn About PTSD and Treatment
- Interviews: Veteran, family and clinician interview clips organized by topic. Choose someone you like. Hear their story. Learn about PTSD and PTSD treatment first hand.
- Our Stories: Short films about a Veterans experience with PTSD and ways their life has improved with treatment.
- Featured Therapies: Learn how Veterans describe their treatment experience at the VA.
- Share videos: Use on social media or email them to people you love.
The History Of PTSD Awareness Month
In 2010, Senator Kent Conrad pushed to get official recognition of PTSD via a “day of awareness” in tribute to a North Dakota National Guard member who took his life following two tours in Iraq (S. Res. 541).
Staff Sergeant Joe Biel died in 2007 after suffering from PTSD; Biel committed suicide after his return from duty to his home state. SSgt. Biel’s birthday, June 27, was selected as the official PTSD Awareness Day, which is now observed every year.
In 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month” (S. Res. 481).
What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
People who live through a traumatic event sometimes suffer its effects long after the real danger has passed. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. While PTSD is often associated with combat veterans, any survivor of a natural disaster, physical abuse, or other traumatic events may suffer from it. The good news is that with professional help, PTSD is treatable. But the first steps to receiving help are learning the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and understanding the treatment options.