June is PTSD Awareness Month

With deadly bombs exploding in the background and images of war and death filling their heads, it is natural for soldiers to experience severe mental distress.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a disorder that occurs as a result of a traumatic incident or event(s). Although soldiers are the stereotypical victim of this disease, they aren’t the only ones who suffer from PTSD. In fact, it is estimated that about 70% of people will experience a traumatic event during their life and about 20% of these will develop PTSD as a result. [1] These people can range from veterans and first responders to school teachers and even children.

To raise awareness for this horrible disease that occupies the minds of so many Americans, June is PTSD Awareness Month and June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day. At Banyan Mental Health, we too will be observing PTSD Awareness Month 2019 and would like to use this opportunity to educate the general public about the symptoms of the disease so that PTSD is more easily recognized in its victims, and people can get the professional mental health treatment they need to move forward with their lives.

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Symptoms of PTSD

A person with PTSD will experience various symptoms that can interrupt their lives for the foreseeable future if they neglect to receive proper trauma treatment such as our residential mental health program in Boca. Most symptoms will begin to appear within the first three months following the traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms can start later. A person is considered to have PTSD if these symptoms persist for longer than a month. You can recognize PTSD in your adult loved one if they exhibit many of the symptoms listed below.

Nightmares about the event(s) and trouble sleeping
Flashbacks that cause physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating
Going out of their way to avoid anything that reminds them of the event(s)
Constantly acting jumpy, anxious, or tense
Depression and social withdrawal
Problems recalling part of the event(s)
Trouble completing everyday tasks or work [2]

Children will exhibit different symptoms from adults. It is important to remember that PTSD is not a weakness and real strength comes from recognizing your problem and entering into a program like a mental health PHP to get better.

Trying to learn how to overcome PTSD on your own or trying and watching a love one suffer though this disease is heartbreaking. Because June is PTSD Awareness Month, it is a great time to take active steps to get better.

If you are looking for mental health care in Boca Raton, call us today at 888-280-4763.

Sources:

Sidran Institute- Traumatic Stress Education & Advocacy – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Fact Sheet
National Institute on Mental Health – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder- What is post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD?

Alyssa

Alyssa is Banyan’s Director of Digital Marketing & Technology. After overcoming her own struggles with addiction, she began working in the treatment field in 2012. She graduated from Palm Beach State College in 2016 with additional education in Salesforce University programs. A part of the Banyan team since 2016, Alyssa brings over 5 years of experience in the addiction treatment field.