There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD do not get the help they need. Help spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
PTSD is a mental health disorder that results from experiencing a traumatic event. This includes any event that is experienced personally, witnessed, or learned about that causes feelings of extreme fear, helplessness, or horror. Examples include experiencing a natural disaster, a serious accident, war, rape, or other violent personal assaults. It is not uncommon for one to experience trauma.
According to the National Center for PTSD, about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one incidence of trauma in their lives. Nearly everyone who experiences a traumatic event will have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping and may experience PTSD symptoms for a period. However, over time, a process of recovery occurs naturally, and PTSD symptoms resolve on their own. For others, however, the symptoms persist and become interfering and distressing. PTSD is diagnosed when the symptoms last for at least one month.
During PTSD Awareness Month, and throughout the entire year, help raise awareness about the many different PTSD treatment options. You can make a difference in the lives of Veterans and others who have experienced trauma.