Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)  – The Hidden Wound

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PTSD, short for posttraumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event like combat, an assault or a disaster.
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). In 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for National PTSD Awareness (S. Res. 481). The purpose of PTSD Awareness Month is to encourage everyone to raise public awareness of PTSD and effective treatments. We can all help those affected by PTSD.
ptsd brain
Here some some facts:
  • PTSD can affect anyone at any age.
  • Millions of Americans get PTSD every year.
  • Many war veterans have had PTSD.
  • Women tend to get PTSD more often than men.
  • PTSD can be treated. You can feel better.

After a traumatic event, most people have painful memories. For many people, the effects of the event fade over time. You or a loved one for whom you care could have PTSD if the normal responses to trauma (including feeling scared, keyed up or sad) do not get better after about a month or they get worse. Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not. If stress reactions do not improve over time – they can continue up to years afterwards – and they disrupt everyday life, it is important to seek help to determine if PTSD is present.

If you suspect that you or a loved one have PTSD, talk to your doctor or in the case of current or past military members call the VA and ask for a PTSD evaluation. There are clinical versions for both non-military and military specific (you can also check out the overall quiz below).

For more information on PTSD from the National Institute on Mental Health in a simple and easy to read brochure in printable format, click here .

This video is an easy to understand “story” board about PTSD

Dr. Jan Seahorn presenting a TEDx Talk on understanding PTSD (she is a caregiver to her husband who has PTSD)