PTSD Awareness Day

National PTSD Awareness Day occurs annually on June 27th, with June designated as PTSD Awareness Month. This initiative aims to highlight the widespread impact of PTSD, which affects individuals across all demographics, not just military personnel. The condition has historical roots, previously referred to as ‘shell shock’ and ‘battle fatigue.’ The official color for PTSD awareness is teal, symbolized through various items like wristbands and ribbons.

Raising awareness fosters understanding of PTSD’s effects on daily life and encourages support for those affected. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 3.6% of Americans experience PTSD annually, with a higher prevalence in women and specific age groups. Increased awareness aids in recognizing symptoms and connecting individuals to essential resources, reducing stigma and promoting open discussions about mental health challenges.

When is National PTSD Awareness Day?

National PTSD Awareness Day is on June 27th annually, following the US Senate’s declaration in 2010. The entire month of June serves as PTSD Awareness Month, as designated by the US Senate in 2014, to bring greater attention to this important issue. While commonly associated with military service members, PTSD impacts people across all demographics and has been documented throughout history. 

Early medical literature, including writings by Hippocrates, described PTSD-like symptoms in soldiers returning from combat. The condition was known as ‘shell shock’ during World War I and ‘battle fatigue’ during World War II. Today, veteran support organizations continue to advocate for PTSD awareness, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care and comprehensive support systems for military personnel returning from active duty.

What Color Is PTSD Awareness?

The color for PTSD Awareness is teal. Show support by wearing teal rubber wristbands, ribbon magnets, lapel pins, or customized teal t-shirts and hats. PTSD Awareness Month is observed in June when the teal ribbon serves as the official symbol of awareness and support.

Why Do We Need PTSD Awareness?

We need PTSD awareness because it empowers us to help people affected by trauma heal and thrive. By raising awareness, we create a deeper understanding of PTSD and 

its impact on daily life. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 3.6% of Americans have PTSD in any given year, which affects women (5.2%) more frequently than men (1.8%). Over a lifetime, the prevalence increases to 6.8% of all adults. The condition varies significantly across age groups, with adults aged 45-59 showing the highest rate at 5.3%, while those over 60 have the lowest rate at 1.0%. Among adolescents aged 13-18, about 5.0% experience PTSD in their lifetime, with 1.5% experiencing severe impairment, and similar to adults, teenage girls (8.0%) are more affected than teenage boys (2.3%).Greater awareness makes it easier to detect signs of PTSD and respond with informed compassion.

PTSD frequently co-occurs with addiction and depression, significantly affecting mental health. The condition poses a particularly serious risk for veterans, who face higher suicide rates. Rather than stigmatizing behaviors, increased awareness helps us connect people with vital resources before crises develop. Since PTSD affects millions of people, chances are someone in your life is silently struggling with it. By promoting awareness, we create an environment where people feel safe seeking help and speaking openly about their experiences.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a serious mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. When someone experiences trauma, their body naturally enters a fight-or-flight state as a protective response. However, in PTSD, these trauma responses persist long after the event, causing significant physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. These PTSD symptoms include memory problems, heightened startle reactions, and avoidance of anything that reminds them of the traumatic experience.

Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts, and hypervigilance. Many people also experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma. PTSD symptoms significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall functioning.

Treatment options for PTSD include various evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), exposure therapy, and medication management. Many people benefit from a combination of therapeutic interventions and medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Support groups and lifestyle changes, including stress management techniques, regular exercise, and maintaining a strong support system also play crucial roles in recovery.

What Is CPTSD

C-PTSD, or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, develops when a person experiences repeated traumatic events over time. This condition specifically differs from regular PTSD because it stems from sustained exposure to abuse or trauma, rather than a single incident. Children who experience ongoing abuse are particularly vulnerable to developing C-PTSD, as their developing minds create coping mechanisms to survive prolonged periods of helplessness and fear. These adaptive behaviors, while initially protective, lead to substance abuse and other psychological difficulties in later life.

Ways You Can Help Spread Awareness about PTSD and C-PTSD?

The ways you can help spread awareness about PTSD and C-PTSD in numerous meaningful ways. Sharing a meme or an article on social media is a simple yet effective start that connects people with resources they might not otherwise discover. Here are several impactful ways to raise awareness:

• Sign up for PTSD awareness walks or sporting events and invite your friends and family to participate.
• Connect with loved ones who may have withdrawn or become isolated.
• Share vetted resources and local support events with your network.
• Organize awareness-raising gatherings in June (PTSD Awareness Month) to engage your community.
• Encourage people to seek professional psychotherapy and mental health support.

Every action, no matter how small, contributes to breaking the stigma and supporting those affected by PTSD and C-PTSD.