June marks Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. It provides a time to talk about the mental and emotional pain that people with PTSD carry and what we can do as a community to support them. Vaya Health is committed to serving our members with PTSD and connecting them with the supports they need to find healing and thrive.
What is PTSD?
A “range of reactions” may occur in people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Events such as natural disasters, acts of violence, or serious accidents can be traumatic. “Common reactions include feeling anxious, sad, or angry; having trouble concentrating and sleeping; and thinking about what happened. Most people will recover from these symptoms, and their reactions will lessen over time. People may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if their symptoms last for an extended period after a traumatic event and begin to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. People who have PTSD may continue to feel stressed or frightened, even though they are not in danger.”
Traumatic events can include:
- Sexual assault
- Combat
- Abuse
- Natural disasters
- An accident
- Home invasion
- Kidnapping
While it’s natural to feel fear, sadness, or anxiety after trauma, individuals with PTSD continue to experience intense emotional and physical reactions long after the danger has passed. PTSD can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
The Impact of Trauma
Trauma affects people in different ways. For some, a traumatic experience becomes a life-defining moment that rewires how they see the world and interact with others. Per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Version 5 (DSM-5), someone experiencing trauma-related symptoms for more than a month meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Without support or treatment, the symptoms can become deeply ingrained and life-disrupting.
Prevalence of PTSD
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that 6% of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
While PTSD can affect anyone, some populations are at higher risk:
- Military veterans and active-duty service members
The VA reports that 7% of veterans will have PTSD during their lifetime. The trauma brought about by combat and related military experiences accounts for this higher rate in comparison to the civilian population. - Survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence
Among women, survivors of sexual trauma have some of the highest rates of PTSD. Women are more at risk of experiencing sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV). The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in women overall is 8%, compared to 4.1% in men. - First responders
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency workers are repeatedly exposed to traumatic situations, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD.
These statistics underline the urgent need for PTSD awareness not just in June, but year-round.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD affects people differently, but there are a few hallmark symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts, including flashbacks or nightmares that replay the traumatic event.
- Avoidance behaviors, such as staying away from places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma.
- Hypervigilance or being “on edge”, including being easily startled or feeling constantly unsafe. This hypervigilance can also cause trouble sleeping or insomnia, chronic muscle tension, and physical reactions to trauma (e.g., racing heart, sweating, dizziness).
- Negative changes in mood, including guilt, shame, irritability, or feeling detached from others.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Many people with PTSD have more than one mental health diagnosis. Some of these co-occurring disorders can include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Substance use disorders (especially alcohol use disorder)
How to Recognize PTSD in Yourself or a Loved One
If you or someone you know is showing signs of PTSD that last longer than a month and interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek professional support. PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and early intervention can make a significant difference.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Fortunately, PTSD is treatable, and people can recover with the right care. There are various treatment options available.
Therapy and Counseling
Evidence-based therapies have been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific kind of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps individuals reframe negative thoughts and challenge unhealthy beliefs related to their trauma.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses guided eye movements to help people process and reframe traumatic memories.
- Prolonged Exposure is another type of CBT where a therapist guides patients to gradually approach trauma-related memories, emotions, and environments to foster healing.
In addition to these treatments, there are various types of other psychosocial interventions and psychotherapies that can help with co-occurring disorders in PTSD diagnosis.
Medication Options
Doctors may prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline or paroxetine to help manage anxiety and mood-related issues associated with PTSD. Currently, only these two medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PTSD. However, physicians may also prescribe antidepressants such as venlafaxine to treat the depression that some people with PTSD may experience.
Self-Help Strategies and Coping Mechanisms
In addition to professional treatment, many people also benefit from lifestyle and self-care strategies, including:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Regular physical activity
- Connecting with support groups or loved ones who understand
- Limiting alcohol and drug use
Encourage anyone dealing with PTSD to explore these tools and seek guidance from a licensed mental health professional.
Reducing Stigma Around PTSD
One of the biggest barriers to treatment is stigma, and that goes for PTSD and many other behavioral health conditions. Many people still believe that PTSD is a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of. Let us use PTSD Awareness Month as an opportunity to normalize conversations about this issue and encourage more people to seek help.
Support Those Affected
Support goes a long way. Whether you’re a friend, coworker, or family member, simply being there, listening without judgment, and offering understanding can make a big difference.
Advocacy and Action
Raising awareness also drives policy change and funding. Advocacy helps improve access to care, expand mental health services, and fund research into new treatments for PTSD.
Ways to Support PTSD Awareness Month
You can take immediate action this month to join efforts in supporting those with PTSD, like:
- Attend local events or virtual discussions focused on PTSD education and support.
- Share facts, stories, and resources on social media using hashtags like #PTSDAwarenessMonth and #EndTheStigma.
- Donate or volunteer with organizations that support trauma survivors and veterans.
Resources for Those Affected by PTSD
If you or someone you know needs help, here are some available supports:
- National Center for PTSD
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline: 1-800-656-4673
