June 1, 2020
How You Can Help PTSD Sufferers — Know Key Facts about the Disorder in Observance of PTSD Awareness Month this June
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that afflicts a lot of people. They are those who have experienced traumatic events such as natural disasters, serious accidents, acts of terrorism, exposure to war and combat, sexual assault, and other acts of violence.
The condition is commonly associated with soldiers and veterans who came face to face with the brutalities of war. However, not all sufferers are those who engaged in combat. Many civilians also experience PTSD as a result of various traumatic triggers.
Since PTSD harms a lot of people, it is important to shine a light on this condition and how it should be managed. That’s why June has been declared PTSD Awareness Month. The declaration was meant to heighten public awareness about the facts surrounding the issue.
Key Facts about PTSD
Here are the key facts about this mental health condition:
- Based on studies, 7 to 8 individuals out of 100 will experience PTSD in their lifetimes.
- Roughly 8 million adults suffer from PTSD in any given year.
- Soldiers are some of those most prone to PTSD, with research showing 11 to 20 out of every 100 veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experienced PTSD. For those who were deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm, 12 percent suffered from the condition. For Vietnam vets, about 30 percent experienced PTSD.
- The most common source of trauma for women is sexual assault or child sexual abuse.
- Children also experience PTSD.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cited studies that show that 15 to 43 percent of girls and 14 to 43 percent of boys go through at least one traumatic experience. Of the children and teens who experienced trauma, 3 to 15 percent of girls and 1 to 6 percent of boys develop PTSD.
How You Can Help PTSD Sufferers
Spreading awareness about PTSD is essential in getting the cooperation of people in addressing the problems of those suffering from this mental health disorder. Educating the public on key issues regarding the condition is vital in this regard.
These are some of the ways you can help PTSD sufferers.
- Raise awareness about PTSD.
Start with your family and community. Facilitate a dialogue about PTSD and how the condition does not only affect an isolated group of people. The awareness that millions of people are suffering from PTSD is an interesting springboard to generate interest in the subject.
- Spread the word.
Start a campaign about PTSD. It could be in the form of discussions in your children’s school, talk with members of your community, or a social media campaign.
- Join hands with the VA.
The VA has a wealth of resources that it can share to beef up your own campaign on PTSD. Contact the VA and see how you can work toward a common cause.
- Understand PTSD.
Superficial knowledge is not enough when it comes to PTSD. Because patients are exposed to various traumas and triggers, they need to be understood fully. It is important to promote an understanding of PTSD as well as the struggles of its victims in trying to live a normal life.
- Provide support.
PTSD patients need to get treatment from professionals to help them fully overcome their trauma. There are various treatments available for sufferers, and they should be encouraged to seek the help they need.
Help Veterans Afflicted with PTSD
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PTSD Awareness Month is a perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the plight of veterans whose poor mental health is hampering their chances of living normal and productive lives.
As many of our veterans wrestle with mental health issues, other illnesses, service-connected disabilities, poverty, homelessness, and unemployment, this month should give you the impetus to lend them a helping hand.
If you have a car that’s been sitting uselessly in your garage for ages, donate it to us at Veteran Car Donations. You can donate nearly all types of vehicles and as many as you can. We accept even those that are no longer in good condition.
We’ll auction off your vehicle and use the proceeds to help our charity partners in delivering life-changing programs and services to struggling veterans and their families. These IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits provide them with financial assistance, free medical treatment, employment opportunities, family support, and other essential services.
Our donors don’t go home empty-handed. We give them incentives such as the free towing of their vehicles wherever they’re located in the country. Their charitable contributions also entitle them to receive maximized tax deductions in the next tax season.
To get to know our quick and easy donation process and other important details, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at 877-594-5822 or send us a message here.
Give Our Suffering Vets New Leases on Life
Give our veterans suffering from PTSD and other woes new leases on life. Call us at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form to donate to us your car now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023