PTSD Awareness Day

PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on June 27th.

June is the month of PTSD Awareness, a particularly important observation in the veteran community. While suicide has become the 10^th leading cause of death in America, and does not discriminate, it is a specific problem amongst current and former military personnel as a result of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

In fact, a recent NPR article noted that male veterans are 18 percent more likely to kill themselves than civilian men. The suicide rate for women is even more staggering, having increased 85% in recent years. Female veterans are now 240 percent more likely to commit suicide than their civilian counterparts.

For many veterans, the hardships come with the transition back to civilian life. Retired Army Col. Ellen Haring, and now director of research for the advocacy group Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), stated, “The experiences you have on active duty carry with you, and then they manifest as mental wellness challenges.” She continued, “When you’re transitioning out of the service, or when you return from a combat deployment… and try to return to family or community, that’s a challenging period.”

It is currently estimated that 20 veterans per day commit suicide, averaging one veteran every 65 minutes.

According to the VA, only 6 of the 20 veterans had recently utilized VA services. With the proper care and treatment, the effects of PTSD and other mental conditions can be minimized. Whether through the VA or the private sector, all veterans are encouraged to seek the mental health care they need.

Resources for both veterans and those who support them can be found below:

• Veterans Crisis Line
• National Center For PTSD – VA
• Make the Connection
• Wounded Warrior Project’s Combat Stress Recovery Program
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline