The month of June is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month. PTSD is a trauma and stress-related disorder that some people develop after seeing or living through an event that caused or threatened serious harm or death. PTSD may result in sleep problems, irritability, anger, recurrent dreams about the trauma, intense reactions to reminders of the trauma, disturbances in relationships, and isolation. 

Although there is no clear or consistent timeline for manifestations of PTSD or when the disorder may cease, the good news is that evidence-based therapies and effective treatments exist. The treatments can help reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and increase engagement in meaningful life activities.  In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and VA are jointly supporting new research to reveal the underlying causes of PTSD and related conditions, develop better tools to identify those at highest risk of becoming a victim of the disorder, and come up with treatments and preventive interventions.

VA’s National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress. For PTSD Awareness Month, the Center has planned activities such as a virtual walk and has made available an abundance of educational resources related to understanding PTSD, its effects on families, treatment options, and how to obtain help. To tap into these VA resources, click here.