PTSD Awareness

June is national PTSD Awareness month. 

For many, the concept of PTSD is linked to military service. The reality however, is that this disorder can affect anyone. 

In the US, approximately 6.8% of adults will experience PTSD in their lifetimes, with women twice as likely as men to experience it (8% vs 4% respectively). Studies have shown that 7% of veterans experience PTSD in their lifetime. 

Prevalence of PTSD among LGBTQIA+ groups tends to be higher given that they are exposed to more discrimination, violence and abuse and have less access to care and support.

It is very important to remember what is experienced as traumatic by one person may not be the same as for another, regardless that experience is valid.

I also want to validate that experiences of those who don’t quite meet official criteria and yet have experienced the profound impact of harmful behaviors, such as those suffering from attachment wounding and those who are impacted by systemic -isms and phobias. 

The more traumatic experiences one has in their life, the more likely they are to suffer from PTSD as well as a host of other health issues. PTSD can be lifelong, but it doesn’t have to be. There are very good treatments out there. 

There are a variety of therapies out there that have proven to be quite helpful in reducing symptoms or eliminating PTSD altogether. I am a big proponent of EMDR therapy and any therapy that involves addressing how trauma is stored in the body. How to find help:

Search for providers through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress at www.aaets.org or by searching for a Certified EMDR therapists at www.EMDRIA.org. 

There is also a program called Give An Hour in which therapists offer free weekly therapy services to people who fall into several categories, check out their website at GIveAnHour.org.