June is PTSD Awareness Month

June is an important month for raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as it is recognized as PTSD Awareness Month. This dedicated time provides an opportunity to educate, support, and advocate for individuals affected by PTSD, their loved ones, and the broader community. As a manufacturer of wireless vital sign monitors for hospitals, we understand the significance of comprehensive care and support for those living with PTSD. 

Join us as we explore the importance of PTSD Awareness Month, delve into the realities of PTSD, and discuss ways in which we can make a positive impact on the lives of individuals affected by this complex condition. Together, let us work towards fostering understanding, empathy, and healing for those living with PTSD.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most people recover from initial symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD.

Understanding PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age – it affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including veterans, survivors of violent physical, sexual, or verbal assault, accidents, first responders, and those who have encountered natural disasters. PTSD manifests through a range of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, emotional distress, paranoia, insomnia, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic event. It is crucial to recognize that PTSD is a legitimate medical condition and seek appropriate support and treatment.

Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Sometimes, learning that a friend or family member experienced trauma can cause PTSD.

According to the National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. Certain aspects of the traumatic event and some biological factors (such as genes) may make some people more likely to develop PTSD.

Many people recover from PTSD after a few days, weeks, or months. Yet, for others, the recovery road might mean one year or more. This mental disorder is highly treatable, but due to the lack of knowledge about it as well as the stigma attached to seeking mental help, many choose to ignore the problem and suffer through it.

PTSD: By the Numbers

We don't know the exact number of people who have PTSD. There are reasons why it is difficult to have an exact or up-to-date count:

• There is no single study that asks everyone about PTSD.
• If a study asks people if they have ever been diagnosed with PTSD, they may not remember. Or they may not have ever talked to a doctor about their trauma or symptoms, so did not get diagnosed.
• If a study measures trauma history and symptoms in the present moment, all types of people need to be in that study to have good data. If the data is collected from a sample of people who are not representative of all Americans, then we won't have good estimates.
• At different points in time—like during a war or pandemic, or in a year with multiple natural disasters—more people may be at risk of PTSD because more people are experiencing traumatic events.

Here are the best estimates for how common PTSD is in the U.S. adult population:

• Most people who go through a traumatic event will not develop PTSD.
• About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Many people who have PTSD will recover and no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment. So, this number counts people who have PTSD at any point in their life, even if their symptoms go away.
• About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.
• Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. About 8 of every 100 women (or 8%) and 4 of every 100 men (or 4%) will have PTSD at some point in their life. This is in part due to the types of traumatic events that women are more likely to experience—such as sexual assault—compared to men.
• Veterans are more likely to have PTSD than civilians. Veterans who deployed to a war zone are also more likely to have PTSD than those who did not deploy. 

History of PTSD Awareness Month

In 2010, the U.S. Senate declared June 27 to be National PTSD Awareness Day. However, in 2014, it designated the whole month of June to be observed as National PTSD Awareness Month. This was a welcome move by many PTSD organizations and support groups, as many felt that more awareness campaigns needed to be held for people to seek help when it came to PTSD.

PTSD is not a newly recognized mental disorder. The disorder dates back to 50 B.C. when it was described in a poem by Hippocrates. He talks about the experiences of a soldier returning home after a battle. PTSD started gaining more attention after the wars between England and France when many people, civilians and soldiers alike, reported experiencing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, intrusive and disturbing thoughts, and flashbacks. This continued throughout WW1 and WW2, with PTSD being named as ‘Shell Shock’ and ‘Battle Fatigue’, respectively. It was during the 1970s Vietnam War that the mental disorder was renamed PTSD. Earlier treatments related to electric shock therapy and other painful options. But today’s modern technology and extensive research have led to much better and more effective treatments like group therapy, counseling, and antidepressants.

The Impact of PTSD

Living with PTSD can significantly impact various aspects of an individual's life, including their relationships, work, and overall well-being. The symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating, causing distress and affecting one's ability to function in everyday situations. Many individuals with PTSD face challenges in seeking and receiving adequate care due to stigma, lack of understanding, or limited access to mental health resources. It is vital to create an environment that fosters empathy, support, and understanding for those affected by PTSD.

Raising Awareness for PTSD

PTSD Awareness Month serves as a reminder to collectively address the impact of PTSD and work towards a more informed and supportive society. By increasing awareness, we can break down stigma, encourage open conversations, and provide resources for individuals seeking help. Here are some ways to actively participate in raising awareness:

Education and Outreach

Share educational resources and information about PTSD through your website, social media channels, and community engagement. Help dispel misconceptions, provide insights into symptoms and available treatment options, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

Support Networks and Organizations

Collaborate with PTSD support organizations, nonprofits, and mental health professionals to amplify their efforts during this month. Contribute to their initiatives, participate in fundraising events, and promote their resources and services.

Patient Stories and Advocacy

Share stories of individuals living with PTSD, highlighting their resilience, challenges, and recovery journeys. Empower survivors to speak out and advocate for increased access to mental health services, trauma-informed care, and improved understanding of PTSD within their communities.

Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals

Work closely with mental health providers, psychologists, and therapists to develop innovative solutions that enhance the identification, monitoring, and treatment of PTSD. Wireless vital sign monitors can play a role in comprehensive patient care by offering non-invasive monitoring of vital signs, ensuring continuous monitoring and personalized treatment plans.

As June comes to a close, we reflect on the significance of PTSD Awareness Month and the impact it has on raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. By dedicating this month to education, support, and advocacy, we have taken significant strides in fostering empathy and understanding for individuals affected by PTSD.

Raising awareness is just the first step. By actively supporting PTSD organizations and initiatives, we can contribute to improving access to mental health services, funding research, and advocating for trauma-informed care. It is through collaboration, understanding, and compassion that we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals living with PTSD.

While PTSD Awareness Month may be ending, our commitment to supporting those affected by PTSD continues year-round. Let us carry the knowledge and understanding gained during this month into our daily lives. By fostering open conversations, providing resources, and advocating for improved mental health services, we can create a society that supports the well-being of individuals living with PTSD.

Together, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and ensure that individuals with PTSD receive the care, understanding, and support they need to heal and thrive. Let us continue to spread awareness, promote empathy, and work towards a world where those affected by PTSD can find solace, healing, and hope.