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June 1 marks the beginning of National PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental health condition affects millions of people around the world and is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it may sound like a serious topic, there are many positive ways to spread awareness and support those who are living with PTSD. From education and advocacy efforts to self-care activities and community events, this month is all about promoting healing, understanding, and resilience. So let's come together and make a difference for those affected by PTSD!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>PTSD Recognized by APA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Psychiatric Association (APA) officially recognizes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mental health condition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Courage Under Fire"</div><div class='timeline-text'>The war film "Courage Under Fire" highlights the effects of PTSD, bringing more public attention to the disorder.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First PTSD Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Senator Kent Conrad leads the initiative to establish PTSD Awareness Day, observed on June 27. Later, this day will develop into a month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Congress Expands PTSD Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US Congress designates the whole month of June as National PTSD Awareness Month, calling for nationwide efforts for PTSD education and advocacy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>APA Releases New Guidelines</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Psychiatric Association releases updated guidelines for the management of PTSD, encouraging trauma-focused psychotherapy as first-line treatment.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about PTSD and its effects. Read books, watch documentaries, and attend seminars or workshops to gain a better understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a PTSD organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for those affected by PTSD by donating to a reputable organization that helps individuals and families cope with the disorder.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a charity walk or run, organize a bake sale or auction, or participate in any other fundraising event to raise awareness and funds for PTSD research and support programs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a support group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to others in your community who may be struggling with PTSD and organize a support group. This can provide a safe and understanding space for individuals to share their experiences and receive support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information and resources about PTSD, as well as personal stories and experiences to help reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about PTSD</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>PTSD, which stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people around the world. National PTSD Awareness Month brings attention to this important issue and helps educate the public about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides support for those affected by PTSD</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National PTSD Awareness Month is not only about raising awareness, but also about providing support for individuals who are living with PTSD as well as their families. This can include resources like therapy options, support groups, and educational materials.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health disorders like PTSD. By dedicating an entire month to raising awareness and understanding about it, National PTSD Awareness Month aims to break down these negative attitudes and encourage open and honest conversations about mental health.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 3.5% of U.S adults every year</h3><p class='facts-content'>This equates to about 8 million adults having PTSD in a given year, and evidences the prevalence and urgent need to address this mental health condition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD</h3><p class='facts-content'>Statistics show that gender does have an influence, with women experiencing a higher rate of PTSD than men. Research is ongoing to understand this disparity more fully.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>PTSD can occur at any age</h3><p class='facts-content'>PTSD is not age specific; it can occur at any age, including childhood. It crosses all racial, economic, and societal boundaries, affecting millions worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>PTSD is often comorbid with other mental health disorders</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many people with PTSD also experience other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. This makes comprehensive treatment approaches particularly crucial.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD</h3><p class='facts-content'>Approximately 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives, but not all of them will develop PTSD. This highlights the complex interplay of risk factors that contribute to the development of PTSD.</p></div></div>
National PTSD Awareness Month is celebrated on June 1 every year. In 2024 National PTSD Awareness Month will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jun 1
Thursday
2024
Jun 1
Saturday
2025
Jun 1
Sunday
2026
Jun 1
Monday
2027
Jun 1
Tuesday
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