June is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness month.
PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma. Though many people recover from initial symptoms naturally, those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.
If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that help and effective treatments are available.
- PTSD: National Center for PTSD
- First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal
- National Institute of Mental Health – PTSD
