June 27th was named PTSD Awareness Day by Congress in 2010. The Senate designated the month of June as National PTSD Awareness month in 2014. Our government realizes the importance of raising awareness regarding the complex mental illness of trauma. Now that June of 2018 is upon us, here is what you need to know about trauma and how you can raise awareness.
Trauma, as defined by Judy Crane, is a single life event or series of life events that negatively change the way we see ourselves, our world, and how we fit into the way we see the world. Trauma has been referred to as a disease of the sympathetic nervous system, as well. When we encounter trauma, we respond in a multitude of ways that affect our physical health, our psychological health, and our spiritual health as well. Most people will experience at least one traumatic event in their life, which may or may not have a negative impact on them. Millions of people will experience multiple traumatic events, sometimes chronically, and will be negatively affected. Trauma affects everyone differently; everyone responds to trauma differently. Addiction, mental illness, behavioral issues, and many other manifestations can arise as a response to trauma. For a small percentage of people, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, develops.
According to the government PTSD website:
- 6 out of every 10 men experience at least one trauma in their lives
- 5 out of every 10 women experience at least one trauma in their lives
- 4 out of every 100 men will develop PTSD at some point in their lives
- 10 out of every 100 women will develop PTSD at some point in their lives
- Women are more likely to experience trauma in the form of sexual assault or child sexual abuse
- About 7-8% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives
- 8 million adults have PTSD throughout the course of a year
How You Can Help
We can all be part of the solution in helping people we love to heal from trauma. First, it is important to educate yourself on the topic of trauma, the symptoms of trauma, and the symptoms of PTSD. Looking for symptoms in yourself and others is a practice of empathy. You can never fully know the extent of someone’s trauma in their life and how that has shaped the person they are. Second, if you believe you’ve experienced trauma in your life and have been negatively affected by it, work with a therapist. When you begin the healing process, you set forth a quantum ripple effect that gives others the bravery and strength they need to begin a healing process of their own. Lastly, live and act with immense compassion toward yourself and toward others. Be an advocate, educate others, and raise awareness where you can.
Together, we can heal from trauma. The Guest House Ocala offers residential treatment programming for trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today for information: 1-855-483-7800