June is PTSD Awareness Month: 4 Ways to get Involved!
Most people experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. It's typical for us to recover over time but some people do not experience these periods of recovery and develop PTSD.
As a therapist who has 5+ years of experience working in an urban environment with high rates of violence/crime, and at the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, I am no stranger to treating those suffering with PTSD. It has been a true privilege to witness and take part in the recovery of so many amazing people.
Did you know that there are 12 million people in the U.S living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during a given year?
12 million. The number of people experiencing distressing symptoms such as reliving the traumatic event, flashbacks and nightmares (intrusive symptoms, experiencing negative thoughts and feelings, feeling on edge or on high alert (also called hyperarousal), etc. Despite there being quality therapies available with research backing up their effectiveness, the fact remains that most people who have PTSD simply do not get the help that they need.
RAISE Awareness!
You can step in during PTSD awareness month and throughout the year, by helping raise awareness about the availability of PTSD treatment options that work!
Start by making the pledge to Raise PTSD Awareness.
S P R E A D the Word
There are so many different ways you can participate in PTSD awareness month! Join me in using your social accounts to spread the word! In need of some additional inspo?
Find resources to support Social Media Posts here (i.e., graphics, promo materials, Facebook and twitter posts).
Click here for an entire calendar of ways that you can spread awareness throughout the month of June! Some examples of activities include things like participating in a virtual walk for PTSD awareness or participating in PTSD self-screening day!
For providers, Click here for the Health Care Providers Calendar. Through the calendar you can access links to:
Order free booklets and other PTSD materials.
Stay current with the VA’s free, online Continuing Education courses.
Learn how the PTSD Consultation program can help you as a provider.
Understand PTSD
If you find yourself not knowing very much about PTSD- there is no better time to learn than now. To my clinicians out there: more and more providers are learning how to provide trauma focused care in an effective way. Be a part of this movement towards evidenced based treatment!
PTSD does not discriminate! Anyone can develop PTSD when they experience a traumatic event. Man or woman. Adult or child. PTSD can be caused by a wide variety of incidents.
When people think of PTSD, it’s typically in the context of active duty service members and veterans. Yes, these populations are at relatively high risk for exposure to traumatic situations and I can totally understand this association. Because PTSD is not exclusive to this type of trauma, this assumption can be especially problematic. Why? People will be less likely to recognize symptoms of PTSD and obtain timely treatment if they believe that PTSD is a only veteran or combat related illness. Anyone can develop PTSD! Man or woman. Adult or child. Rich or poor.
Adding to this notion, is the fact that the trauma exposure could be indirect rather than first hand. For example, PTSD could occur in an person learning about the tragic death of a family member. It can also occur as a result of repeated exposure to horrible details of trauma, for example, police officers exposed to details of child abuse cases.
Find information relating to the basics of PTSD by clicking here.
To learn more about PTSD treatment, Download the VA’s Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment Booklet.
According to The National Center for PTSD, the 3 most effective trauma-focused psychotherapies are:
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
If you are a therapist, consider getting intensive training in one or more of the above therapies. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in learning about my experiences in training and utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD!
Get Support
Knowing where to get help is just as important as recognizing the need for it.
Get Help in a Crisis
Get Help in a Crisis: Numbers for emergency resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, press 1).
Find a Therapist
If you are interested in learning more about the PTSD treatment I am able to offer, please contact me to schedule a free phone consultation.
If you’d like to explore alternative options for therapy, click here for a list of suggestions and organizations whom can help you locate a provider.
If you are a veteran, click here to learn about help available for veterans at the VA.
Whether you are a clinician, a friend or family of a loved one with PTSD, are considering treatment for yourself, or are just interested in learning more about mental health, I hope that you will join me in this quest to raise awareness about PTSD!
