Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) isn’t something that only affects veterans or people who’ve lived through extreme events. It’s more common than most people realize, and June is a good time to check in with ourselves and the people around us.
PTSD can happen to anyone. It can follow any type of trauma: physical or sexual assault, an accident, abuse, a natural disaster, or even medical emergencies. The point isn’t how “big” the trauma was, it’s how the brain and body responded to it.
How to Recognize PTSD
A lot of people think PTSD looks like flashbacks or panic attacks, but symptoms can be more subtle:
Intrusive thoughts – unwanted memories, dreams, or flashbacks
Avoidance – trying to steer clear of reminders, people, or conversations related to the trauma
Mood changes – numbness, hopelessness, guilt, or detachment from others
Hyperarousal – being jumpy, irritable, easily startled, or always “on edge”
These signs usually appear within three months of the traumatic event, but sometimes they don’t show up until years later. And while it’s normal to feel shaken after trauma, PTSD means those symptoms linger and interfere with daily life.
What to Do If You Think you or Someone Else Might Have PTSD
Don’t brush it off. If symptoms persist for more than a month and affect work, relationships, or day-to-day life, it’s worth reaching out for help.
Talk to someone trained. Therapists, counselors, and doctors can assess what’s going on. PTSD is a medical condition—and it’s treatable.
Consider evidence-based therapy. Approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) have strong research behind them.
If you’re supporting someone with PTSD:
- Be patient. Healing takes time.
- Don’t pressure them to talk before they’re ready.
- Avoid saying things like “just move on” or “others have it worse.”
- Encourage them to seek help, but don’t push too hard.
Practical Support That Can Help
Encourage routines and healthy habits: sleep, exercise, decent meals
Avoid alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism
Support groups (in-person or online) can be grounding
If someone is in crisis, call 988 (in the U.S.) or visit a local emergency department
Why Awareness Matters
Many people with PTSD suffer in silence. Some don’t even realize what they’re going through has a name. Others feel ashamed or weak for not “getting over it.” That’s why awareness months like June are important—they help people understand that PTSD isn’t a character flaw. It’s a real, treatable condition.
If You Want to Learn More
National Center for PTSD – www.ptsd.va.gov
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – www.nami.org
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – www.samhsa.gov