12 Ways to Help

PTSD Awareness Day: June 27th

• June 27th was named PTSD Awareness Day by Congress. Read about Senator Conrad's (North Dakota) inspiration to bring attention to PTSD.
• Here's what's happening on June 27th at the National Center for PTSD divisions:
• Presentations and public radio interviews by Center staff
• Information booths at local VA Medical Centers
• Information on PTSD research with Veterans

Next year, find a local event or think about how you can help. Thank you for helping raise PTSD awareness on June 27th, and throughout the year!

12 Ways Community Members Can Help

1. Watch videos in AboutFace, an online gallery dedicated to Veterans talking about how PTSD treatment turned their lives around.
2. Think broadly. When trauma happens, family, friends, coworkers and community are affected too.
3. Learn about common reactions to trauma and readjustment after war to life at home.
4. Be aware of where to get help for PTSD, including specific resources for Veterans.
5. Expand your understanding of how PTSD is identified (assessed) and treated.
6. Know that treatment for PTSD can help.
7. Ask if talking would help, but do not push if someone is not ready to discuss their trauma.
8. Realize that getting people to talk or seek help from a therapist is not always easy. Your encouragement matters. Families of Veterans can reach out to Coaching Into Care for help finding the right words.
9. Know the facts. More than half of US adults will experience trauma in their lifetime. About 7 out of 100 will get PTSD at some point. For Veterans and people who have been through violence and abuse the number is higher.
10. Connect with self-help resources, apps, and videos about PTSD.
11. Share handouts, brochures, or wallet cards about trauma and PTSD.
12. Keep informed through our PTSD Monthly Update, Facebook, and Twitter.