Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is recognized each June to help bring awareness to PTSD and the treatments available to help with the disorder. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), PTSD is slightly more common among veterans than civilians. The agency reports that 7% of veterans will have PTSD versus 6% of civilians in their lifetime. PTSD is also more common among female veterans, with 13% of female veterans versus 6% of male veterans experiencing PTSD in their lifetime. SAMHSA reports that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including, but not limited to, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
PTSD is a disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, violence, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms that affect their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical well-being. Some individuals relive the traumatic event through memories, flashbacks, or nightmares, while others may avoid reminders of the trauma or feel constantly on guard. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, nightmares, disturbing thoughts, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, and other changes in mood or functioning.
PTSD involves changes in the brain and nervous system that affect how a person responds to stress and the perceived event. It is common in certain professions, such as police, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and even mental health workers. While PTSD is often associated with veterans, active service members, and first responders, it can also be the result of divorce, abrupt relocation, financial woes, or witnessing someone else going through a traumatic event. It is important to remember that people respond to stressful and traumatic experiences differently. A person’s experience of an event may be very different from another’s.
“People with PTSD need to know that effective treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Healing from PTSD is possible, and every person’s recovery journey is unique. Some individuals may experience significant symptom relief in a relatively short period of time, while others may require longer-term support depending on their experiences, the nature of their trauma, and the resources available to them. Recognizing the signs of trauma and seeking help early can be an important step toward recovery. Rather than trying to manage PTSD alone, reaching out to a qualified professional can provide the support, tools, and treatment needed to promote healing and resilience,” shares Lesa Mulcahy, Chief Clinical Officer at For All Seasons.
The primary and most effective treatments for PTSD are trauma-focused psychotherapies, medications, or a combination of both.
Anyone who may think they are suffering from PTSD symptoms can call For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsinc.org. For Seasons’ clinicians are trauma-certified and can help.
For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.
