This month is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month!
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month takes place across Canada in June every year. During this month, mental health organizations throughout Canada raise awareness about what Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is. Moreover, they also teach the public how this condition impacts people’s lives.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. Like other mental health conditions, PTSD is a medical condition that can affect many different aspects of a person, such as:
- Thought processes
- Emotions
- Moods
- Behaviours
- Sense of self
- Capacity to connect with others
- Ability to cope with stress
People who have PTSD have experienced a traumatic event, such as:
- An accident
- An assault
- Military combat
- A natural disaster
These individuals may have repeated, involuntary memories or flashbacks of the event, sometimes triggered by sights, sounds or smells that recall the event.
Who does PTSD affect?
PTSD can affect people of all:
- Genders
- Ages
- Sexual orientations
- Abilities
- Races
- Ethnic backgrounds
- Economic status
However, people in high-stress jobs, such as first responders or military personnel, may be more likely to have PTSD. Furthermore, people experience PTSD differently. For instance, a person who has PTSD may experience flashbacks of a traumatic event through a certain smell or sound. Each person will experience flashbacks differently, and cope with them in different ways. In addition, some people may have flashbacks more frequently than others.
Support for People who have PTSD
People who have PTSD may sometimes face challenges, such as:
- Focusing
- Processing information
- Making choices
They may also begin behaving in non-typical ways, for example, distancing themselves from others.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month is a chance for open and positive dialogue about how PTSD impacts people. This dialogue helps answer questions and lessen fears surrounding mental health. Dialogue also makes the public more aware that people with PTSD can live full lives. When people have the supports they need, they can be fully involved in work, family life, and their communities.
Happy Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month to all our readers!