Bringing Awareness to PTSD

In working with veterans for Veterans Support Organization (VSO), I’ve run into many people suffering from PTSD, a mental health problem that can occur after a traumatic event like war, assault, or disaster.

The illness’s impacts can be devastating to individuals and their families. An estimated 8 percent of Americans will experience PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) at some point in their lives, with women (10%) twice as likely as men (5%) to develop PTSD, according to the VA.

We all must confront PTSD --- and now is the time to do it.

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and the VA has developed a great campaign. Visit this website to learn about the “10 Steps to Raise PTSD Awareness.”

There’s lots of fascinating features and information, such as encouraging everyone to challenge his/her beliefs about treatment and exploring options for those with PTSD. Plus, the website encourages visitors to know the facts about the disorder and meet real people, via videos, who have suffered from it.

Let’s all take a look at this site and share it with our contacts and organizations.

PTSD is a big problem facing our nation. We have to bring awareness to it. This will help individuals and their families cope with the disorder.

Richard VanHouten is the founder and CEO of Veterans Support Organization.