June was National PTSD Awareness Month. Our team at GoVA made a pledge to learn more about PTSD and continue raising awareness.
PTSD can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of weakness. A number of factors can increase the chance that someone will develop PTSD, many of which are not under that person’s control. For example, if you were directly exposed to trauma or injured, you are more likely to develop PTSD.
Who can develop PTSD?
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. Some factors can increase the chance that someone will have PTSD, many of which are not under that person’s control. For example, having a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event or getting injured during the event can make it more likely that a person will develop PTSD. PTSD is also more common after certain types of traumas, like combat. The good news is that there are effective treatments.
PTSD and Military Members
PTSD can occur after you have been through a trauma. Trauma is a shocking and dangerous event that you witness or that happens to you. During this type of event, you think that your life or others’ lives are in danger. Service members are exposed to traumatic events during war. Combat creates life-threatening situations, injuries, and accidents. Civilians living in war zones are also at risk of trauma.
Other factors in a combat situation can add more stress to an already stressful situation. This may contribute to PTSD and other mental health problems. These factors include what you do in the war, the politics around the war, where the war is fought, and the type of enemy you face.
Help Raise PTSD Awareness
There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need.
During PTSD Awareness Month, and throughout the entire year, you can help raise awareness about the many different PTSD treatment options available to those affected. The GoVA team registered for a virtual walk through the Department of Veterans Affairs to help raise awareness for PTSD. By learning more about PTSD and creating more awareness about the disorder, we can effectively advocate for PTSD treatment options that create a better quality of life.
Our mission at GoVA is simple; we are devoted to being a trusted and credible resource for all members of the military community. You served for us, let us work for you.
