Many people across the globe suffer silently with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). To educate the public and help those affected, June 27 has been named PTSD Awareness Day.
This is a great opportunity to talk with family and friends and learn more about this disorder and how it affects those around us, particularly our service members. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threating event.
According to the PTSD Foundation of America an estimated 7.8 percent of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, while about 30 percent of service members who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD. Typically, only 50 percent of PTSD sufferers seek treatment.
Given that service members are one of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to stress-related illnesses, services are available to help military and veteran communities deal with emotional and mental health issues like PTSD. Helping military members cope with everyday stressors or take control of their mental health before, during and after deployment is especially important.