National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day

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National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day

SACRAMENTO – Today is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. Veteran organizations and government entities all over the country mark this day to help increase knowledge and understanding about this life affecting disorder. Experts estimate that 11 to 30 percent of our nation’s combat veterans suffer from PTSD. These veterans served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea and World War II.

In order to raise awareness, it is important that people know that PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after one has been through a traumatic event. During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. A person may feel afraid or feel that they have no control over what is happening. This is quite common in the combat situations our military men and women find themselves in. While the dedicated men and women in our country’s military are truly the bravest of our citizens, they are still susceptible to mental trauma and its effects.

A common misconception about PTSD is that it only affects the veteran who suffers from it. This is simply not true; the symptoms of PTSD can disrupt a veteran’s life and make it hard to continue with their daily activities such as working and engaging with others. More importantly PTSD can take a veteran’s family life and turn it upside down. Families can be torn apart and damaged by this disorder.

Sadly PTSD has gone untreated for many veterans due to our previous lack of understanding of the nature of this disorder. Many lives have been ruined or changed for the worst. It is our responsibility as citizens to not let this continue. We need to remember that our veterans with PTSD suffered through trauma so we do not have to. Not only do we owe them our gratitude but we owe them the respect of helping them through the challenges they face. Together we can help raise awareness in our communities to help employers, teachers and families of veterans realize that our veterans may be suffering from invisible wounds.