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June is PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding the Silent Struggle and How We Can Help

Updated: 19 hours ago



Every June, we recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood. PTSD doesn’t always leave visible scars, yet its impact can be deep, lasting, and life-altering. At New Life K9s, we believe in speaking openly about mental health, reducing the stigma around PTSD, and offering hope—especially through the life-changing support of service dogs.


What is PTSD?


Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This can include combat exposure, physical or sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or life-threatening situations. PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it’s a human response to overwhelming stress. While it’s normal to feel anxious or shaken after trauma, PTSD occurs when these feelings don’t fade and begin to interfere with daily life.


Common Symptoms of PTSD


PTSD symptoms may vary from person to person but generally fall into four categories:

  • Intrusive Memories

    • Flashbacks or reliving the trauma

    • Nightmares

    • Distressing thoughts or emotional reactions to reminders of the trauma

  • Avoidance

    • Avoiding people, places, or activities that are reminders

    • Avoiding talking or thinking about the event

  • Negative Changes in Mood or Thinking

    • Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or guilt

    • Memory problems or trouble maintaining close relationships

    • Emotional numbness or detachment from others

  • Hyperarousal and Reactivity

    • Being easily startled or constantly on edge

    • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

    • Irritability, anger outbursts, or reckless behavior

PTSD can affect anyone, but it doesn’t look the same for every individual. Some may struggle in silence for years, unsure of what’s wrong or where to turn.


Who is Most Affected?


While PTSD can happen to anyone, certain communities are at higher risk:

  • Veterans and Active-Duty Military Members:Exposure to combat, loss of fellow service members, and high-stress environments make service members especially vulnerable. It’s estimated that up to 20% of veterans who served in recent conflicts experience PTSD.

  • First Responders:Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency workers regularly encounter trauma. Many carry the psychological toll silently.

  • Survivors of Abuse or Assault:Those who have experienced domestic violence, childhood abuse, or sexual assault are among the most impacted by PTSD.

  • Accident and Disaster Survivors:Individuals who survive car crashes, natural disasters, or sudden loss may also develop PTSD symptoms over time.


Getting Help: You Are Not Alone


The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Healing takes time, and everyone’s journey looks different—but support is out there. Some of the most effective approaches include:

  • Therapy:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms.

  • Medication:Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help regulate symptoms when prescribed by a medical professional.

  • Peer Support and Community:Talking with others who have had similar experiences can be profoundly healing.

  • Service Dogs: At New Life K9s, we’ve seen firsthand how highly trained service dogs can be transformative for individuals living with PTSD. These dogs provide emotional grounding, interrupt anxiety and flashbacks, and offer a nonjudgmental companion who brings stability to daily life. In many cases, a service dog can mean the difference between isolation and reconnection, between despair and hope.






 
 
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