June 27: National PTSD Awareness Day
By E. Malik
PTSD or Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition experienced by veterans and non-veterans, and it has a lasting impact on those who are suffering. National PTSD awareness day is celebrated on the 27th of June every year. This day is significant because it not only helps in creating awareness about PTSD but also helps to remove the stigma that is often associated with psychological disorders. Unfortunately, people suffering from PTSD are often reluctant to seek treatment due to the taboo associated with it. Hence, they cannot receive the proper care they need.
PTSD Awareness
This day is celebrated to raise awareness, especially amongst Veterans who may have been adversely impacted by the effects of war, violence, serious accidents, sexual assaults, etc. The National PTSD Awareness Day helps to:
- Raise awareness about it
- Spread the word
- Help people understand what PTSD is and what it entails for the sufferer
- Help sufferers get support and care they need
Why is PTSD awareness such an important topic? Because currently, 8 million people in the United States are suffering from PTSD.
The History of PTSD Awareness Day
This day came about as a tribute to all the sufferers of PTSD when Senator Kent Conrad worked relentlessly for the official recognition of PTSD by designating a specific day for its awareness. This followed the tragic incident of a North Dakota Guard taking his life after serving two terms in Iraq. Similarly, prominent individuals like Staff Sergeant Joe Biel also succumbed to PTSD and committed suicide following his duty. His birthday, 27th June, was then selected to celebrate PTSD Awareness Day. Thus, June is declared as PTSD Awareness Month due to the grave nature of this issue and the people impacted by it.
References
https://militarybenefits.info/ptsd-awareness-day/
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-ptsd-awareness-day/
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