Understanding PTSD: Recognizing Awareness Month and Available Treatments

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a disorder resulting from a traumatic incident or event(s). Although soldiers are the stereotypical victim of this disease, they aren’t the only ones who suffer from PTSD. About 6 out of every 100 people in the U.S. population will develop PTSD at some point. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 12 million adults in the U.S. live with PTSD annually. The severity of the condition varies among those affected: 36.6% experience severe symptoms, 33.1% experience moderate symptoms, and 30.2% experience mild symptoms. These people can range from veterans and first responders to schoolteachers and even children.

To raise awareness for this horrible disease that occupies the minds of so many Americans, June is PTSD Awareness Month and as mental illness treatment center, we recognize the crucial significance of educating the public about various forms of mental illness and fostering awareness around these conditions. Our commitment lies in dedicating our time and resources to supporting individuals in their journey toward mental wellness, striving to empower as many people as possible to reclaim their lives and find lasting happiness.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a traumatic event. Many individuals who experience or witness a terrifying event develop PTSD. This disorder develops when a person is unable to adjust to life after experiencing trauma. While many get better after time and self-care, others may have difficulties getting better and may experience symptoms that interfere with their daily function.

PTSD symptoms are broken down into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thought or mood, and changes in emotional and physical reactions. These symptoms can worsen over time without mental health treatment and may vary from person to person.

Recognizing Symptoms of PTSD

A person with PTSD will experience various symptoms that can interrupt their lives for the foreseeable future if they neglect to receive proper trauma treatment such as our residential mental health program. Most symptoms will begin to appear within the first three months following the traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms can start later. A person is considered PTSD if these symptoms persist for over a month. You can recognize PTSD in your adult loved one if they exhibit many of the symptoms listed below.

Some common signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:

• Recurring distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Reliving the event as if it were happening all over again (flashbacks)
• Disturbing dreams or nightmares about the event
• Severe emotional or physical reactions to any reminders of the traumatic event
• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the event
• Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the event
• Negative thoughts about yourself or others
• Memory problems
• Difficulties maintaining close relationships
• Feeling detached from loved ones
• Difficulties experiencing any positive emotions
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Being easily frightened
• Always being on guard or prepared for any danger
• Difficulties sleeping
• Difficulties concentrating
• Engaging in self-destructive behavior, like substance abuse
• Feeling overwhelming guilt and shame
• Frequent emotional outbursts

An individual suffering from PTSD may turn to substance abuse and other forms of self-harm to cope with their symptoms. This, like other mental illnesses, can affect a person’s life and overall well-being. Banyan Mental Health offers PTSD treatment for those who are battling this disorder and need to develop healthy coping mechanisms to live a happy and healthy life.

Children will exhibit different symptoms from adults. It is important to remember that PTSD is not a weakness and real strength comes from recognizing your problem and entering a program like a mental health PHP to get better.

The Importance of National PTSD Awareness Day

The United States Senate assigned PTSD Awareness Day to June 27th to bring awareness to this silent disease. The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has also designated June as PTSD Awareness Month, further advancing efforts to help those struggling with this condition. PTSD Awareness Day gives sufferers of this condition a voice and recognition. This is a severe mental health condition that many people know very little about. Choosing a day and even a month to focus on disorders like PTSD encourages the public to pay attention. Bringing awareness to mental disorders by selecting awareness days also educates the public, teaching them how to recognize their symptoms and help others.

Here’s a list of PTSD organizations and resources for more information:

• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
• National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• PTSD Alliance
• PTSD Foundation of America
• PTSD United
• SIDRAN Institute: Traumatic Stress Education and Advocacy

How To Support Someone with PTSD

It’s not enough to learn about PTSD; you must apply this knowledge. There’s a lot of mental health stigmas behind disorders like PTSD that contribute to the lack of awareness concerning this condition. But you can break that cycle. Here are simple ways you can observe PTSD Awareness Day:

• Educate yourself on PTSD
• Learn the signs of PTSD
• Find any local walks or events related to PTSD Awareness Day you can volunteer at or participate in
• Volunteer at a foundation or organization that helps people with PTSD
• Talk about PTSD with others

Our Banyan mental health treatment also includes different mental health programs that treat mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, thought disorders, and trauma disorders.

Treatment for PTSD

At Banyan Mental Health, we offer specialized PTSD treatment that begins with a thorough clinical assessment to tailor a personalized treatment plan addressing both PTSD and any co-occurring mental health disorders. Our comprehensive approach integrates medication and psychotherapy, including individual and group therapy sessions and various mental health therapies, to promote healing and recovery. Recognizing the common overlap with substance abuse, our dual diagnosis program provides support for those struggling with PTSD and addiction, offering new coping strategies and fostering lasting resilience. With a commitment to small staff-to-client ratios, we ensure individualized care and effective progress monitoring, helping each patient achieve meaningful recovery from PTSD and related challenges.

Get Help Today

If you or a loved one is battling post-traumatic stress disorder or any other form of mental illness, we can help. Contact us or call us now at (877) 360-1639 for more information about our residential or PHP mental health program.