June is PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Healing

By: Deborah Gonzalez, MS

Every June, we observe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month—a time to deepen public understanding of a condition that affects millions and often goes unspoken. PTSD doesn’t discriminate—it impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Whether you are a survivor, a loved one, a caregiver, or an ally, this month offers a powerful opportunity to educate, support, and advocate. 

What is PTSD?  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This includes, but is not limited to, combat exposure, sexual or physical assault, childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss. It is also important to note that most people that go through a traumatic event will not develop PTSD ( VA.gov). 

According to the National Center for PTSD, symptoms of PTSD include: 

• Re-experiencing the trauma (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares) 

• Avoidance of reminders or feelings associated with the trauma 

• Hyperarousal (e.g., being easily startled, feeling tense) 

• Negative changes in mood and cognition, such as feelings of shame, guilt, or numbness (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – PTSD) 

  
  

It is estimated that PTSD affects 5% of the U.S. population any given year, and in 2020 about 13 million adults in the U.S. were living with  PTSD (VA.gov). 

Why June Matters 

The U.S. Senate designated June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day in 2010, in honor of Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, a North Dakota National Guard member who died by suicide after battling PTSD. In 2014, the entire month of June was declared PTSD Awareness Month to expand the effort to educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote treatment options (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). 

Who is Affected? 

While PTSD is often associated with military veterans, it can affect anyone. In fact, women are twice as likely as men to experience PTSD during their lifetime, largely due to a higher rate of interpersonal violence and sexual assault (National Institute of Mental Health). 

Populations at risk include: 

• Survivors of abuse or neglect 

• First responders and healthcare workers 

• Refugees and displaced individuals 

• Victims of gun violence or systemic trauma 

• People who have experienced medical trauma or serious illness 

  
  

Breaking the Stigma 

Stigma remains a significant barrier to healing. Many people with PTSD avoid seeking help due to fear of being judged, misunderstood, or seen as “weak.” This is why awareness is so important. PTSD is not a sign of personal failure—it is a human response to overwhelming events. 

Raising awareness helps create safer spaces for people to: 

• Talk about trauma without shame 

• Seek professional treatment without fear 

• Support others with compassion, not judgment 

  
  

Paths to Healing 

The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Common evidence-based treatments include: 

• Talk therapies that work best are: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). 

• Medications 

• Peer support, group therapy, and trauma-informed care (Source: TreatmentBasicsVA.gov) 

  
  

Resources like the National Center for PTSD and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available to help individuals and families navigate the healing journey. 

How You Can Help

 Here are simple but meaningful ways you can take action during PTSD Awareness Month: 

• Learn more: Visit www.ptsd.va.gov to educate yourself about the condition. 

• Share resources: Use your voice on social media to spread awareness using hashtags like #PTSDAwarenessMonth and #EndTheStigma. 

• Support someone you know: Be present, listen without judgment, and encourage professional help. 

• Check in with yourself: If you’ve experienced trauma, acknowledge your own pain and know that healing is possible. 

  
  

PTSD Awareness Month is more than a calendar observance—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re living with PTSD or love someone who is, remember that recovery is possible and support is available. Together, we can reduce stigma, increase access to care, and build a community where no one has to suffer in silence. 

Sources: 

• National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov 

• National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov 

• SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov 

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp