Healing Starts with Understanding: PTSD Awareness for Everyone

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can include combat exposure, sexual or physical assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or any situation that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

Individuals may experience intrusive thoughts or flashbacks that force them to relive the traumatic event, often triggered by reminders of the trauma. Sleep disturbances are also common, including insomnia and recurring nightmares. People with PTSD may exhibit signs of hyperarousal, such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and being easily startled.

PTSD isn’t automatically considered a disability, but it can be treated as a disabling condition if an individual’s symptoms impede critical daily functions, such as getting out of bed, leaving the house, or completing work duties. These individuals often need extra support and may qualify to receive disability benefits.

One of the most powerful actions we can take is to educate ourselves and others. Understanding the symptoms and effects of PTSD helps create empathy and combats misinformation. Sharing facts on social media, talking openly about mental health, or hosting informational sessions can help normalize the conversation around PTSD and encourage those who are struggling to speak up.