Did you know that June was PTSD Awareness Month?

This is a perfect time to shed light on this crucial issue.

Did you know PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, affects millions of people worldwide?

It's not just veterans; anyone who's experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, especially situations where they were afraid for their life, can develop PTSD. Many service members and first responders have some form of PTSD and might not even realize it.

Symptoms vary for everyone but often include:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Severe Anxiety
• Uncontrollable thoughts about the event
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling detached from loved ones
• Intense guilt or shame

But can also include:

• Hyper-awareness
• Having to sit with your back against the wall to see the restaurant door.
• Hyper Startle Reflex
• Being uncomfortable in Large Gatherings
• Going to Stores when there are few people in them.
• Automatic Distrust of People
• Normal experiences make your brain go off the rails toward the worst thing that can happen.

Remember, PTSD is treatable. Raising awareness and understanding can help, encouraging those affected to seek support. Let's use this month to educate ourselves and others, turning awareness into action!

If you notice these symptoms in a friend, don't hesitate to check in with them

Make sure they feel safe, and let them know you won't judge them or make them feel "less than" because of what they're going through.

Feeling trapped, afraid to talk about it, or weak is normal because of these intense feelings. Saying something like, "I know you went through some tough stuff...what was that like? How are you dealing with it?" can open the door to a really important and supportive conversation.

Together, we can break the silence and stigma, offering hope and healing to those in need.

Let's make a difference—one conversation at a time.