PTSD Awareness Day is just around the corner. Every year on June 27, it is important to take time to recognize and raise awareness for those with PTSD. Caregivers and loved ones of active or retired military members should pay extra attention to the importance of this day. Keep reading to learn more about why this day is so significant and what you can do to assist in caring for someone with PTSD.
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PTSD Awareness Day: Why Is it Important?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that is caused by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying or otherwise adverse life-changing event. Veterans and military members can be exposed to different kinds of trauma when in war or combat zones that make them susceptible to this disorder. There are many military members who experience PTSD or complex PTSD. So, it’s important for their loved ones and caregivers to educate themselves on how to help someone with PTSD.
All of June is designated as PTSD Awareness Month. It is an excellent time of year to start conversations about the disorder and the resources available to loved ones who are suffering from it. National PTSD Awareness Day falls on June 27 each year. This time of year is especially important because it encourages PTSD awareness.
Raising awareness is imperative because it helps to break the past stigma that has surrounded mental health treatment. By raising awareness of PTSD, we can help encourage and empower Veterans who may be struggling to seek treatment. We can help them realize that they are not alone.
PTSD Caregiver: What You Can Do To Help
Whether you are dating someone with PTSD, caring for a family member, or assisting a friend, it is important to educate yourself. Military members and Veterans who developed PTSD can benefit from their loved ones researching and understanding the mental health issue.
Understanding the diagnosis and taking the time to locate resources is one of the best ways you can lend support to your loved one through this difficult time in their life.
Here are some things you can do to show support:
- Research PTSD and Complex PTSD. PTSD awareness is important in aiding with your understanding and support for your loved one.
- Listen to your loved one.
- Be understanding if your loved one doesn’t want to talk about it., but let them know you’ll be there if they do.
- Maintain contact and foster a reliable support system.
- Plan fun activities to help clear their mind.
- Be supportive of their treatment plan.
PTSD caregiver support can sound daunting. It can be confusing or overwhelming when you are trying to figure out how to best care for your loved one. It is okay not to know what to do in the beginning. But the best thing to do is to research PTSD, show you care, and listen. The worst thing to do to someone with PTSD is to belittle or ignore the issue.
PTSD Awareness Day is a way for you to help break the stigma surrounding treatment. It’s the perfect time of year to research what it is you can do to support your Veteran and military loved ones with PTSD.
Related read: How To Use the National Center for PTSD As a Veteran
Resources
There are many resources in place for Veterans and military members to obtain treatment. The VA caregiver program for PTSD offers a list of additional resources and tips to help you support a Veteran or military member seeking treatment for their PTSD. There are more resources available for Veterans themselves if they choose to seek treatment.
It’s important to take time to spread the word about PTSD Awareness Day. Helping to break the stigma around mental health will be beneficial in supporting Veterans or military members who may need treatment. If you’re wondering how to help with caring for someone with complex PTSD or PTSD, raising awareness and showing support is a good place to start.
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