June 27, 2021
6 Ways to Help Those Who Suffer from This Mental Health Condition
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National PTSD Awareness Day encourages people across the country to educate themselves on post-traumatic stress disorder, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment. It also serves as a reminder for us to help anyone with the disorder and recognize the professionals who have been working tirelessly to make sure that these people can go back to their normal lives.
PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on June 27th.
So, what exactly is PTSD? In its simplest definition, PTSD is a mental illness that occurs after a traumatic event takes place. These events can range from abuse and serious accidents to assault and exposure to violence.
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects the overall well-being of the person. They startle and get irritated easily, recurrent flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic incident often haunt them, and they normally feel anxious and apathetic. Such symptoms can disrupt their everyday lives, especially when left untreated.
More than 8 million Americans have PTSD in any given year. Anyone can get it, including kids as young as 2 years old. The most vulnerable population, however, would have to be our veterans.
PTSD in Veterans
During their time in service, our veterans witnessed and experienced many horrific events on the battlefield. Engaging in combat where they exposed themselves to life-threatening situations was just another day at the office for them.
For vets returning home from deployment, the symptoms of PTSD often include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, sleeping difficulties, and their inability to process the emotions of trauma. Others may experience wild fluctuations in aggression and anger and develop self-destructive behaviors. For these reasons, they find it hard to maintain relationships.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 11 to 20 out of 100 veterans experience PTSD in any given year. Unfortunately, many of them would deny that they’re suffering from the mental condition despite the obvious signs. Believing that there’s nothing to worry about, they hesitate to seek counseling or treatment.
Why are they reluctant? Here are their answers: They see it as a sign of weakness. They also don’t want to be ridiculed. Likewise, they’re afraid of career repercussions for seeking treatment, and they’re skeptical that any form of treatment would work.
This is where their loved ones can come to the rescue. Addressing these concerns is the first step to encourage veterans with PTSD symptoms to get professional help.
If you know of a veteran who’s living with PTSD, whether they’re your sibling, friend, or spouse, understand that this condition is treatable and that you can help them get back on track. Here’s how:
- Learn about the different treatment options.
Take time to research the different types of PTSD treatment available, and find out which ones are the most effective. For example, if your loved one doesn’t like the idea of medication, you can always tell them that there’s always counseling or group therapy with vets like them.
- Encourage them to talk with a peer specialist.
Peer specialists are VA employees recovering from mental illnesses who are trained to support vets with trauma, depression, or other mental health condition. You can find both VA and community-based resources in your area using this tool.
- Sign them up for a PTSD support group.
Connecting with fellow veterans facing similar problems can help your loved one feel less isolated. They can get lots of useful tips on how to cope with their symptoms and work their way to recovery. Plus, they’ll develop a bond like no other.
- Find a trained professional.
Once your loved one tells you that they’re ready to seek professional help, start looking for one in your area. Whether they’re more comfortable with a therapist who specializes in trauma treatment or your local VA medical center, getting professional assistance will surely lead them to the right path.
- Be patient and understanding.
As your loved one is getting treatment, be patient with the pace of the recovery. They may still have episodes or outbursts from time to time, so stay supportive as much as you can.
- Don’t pressure them to open up.
Many people with PTSD often have trouble expressing their feelings and sharing their problems, especially if it’s about the traumatic incident. If that’s the case with your loved one, don’t force them to talk. However, let them know that you’re always there whenever they want to talk.
You Can Help Other Suffering Vets, Too!
It’s heartbreaking to know that thousands of our former service members have fallen victim to PTSD. The good news is, they can still be treated — and you can do something to make that happen. You can help them get back on their feet by donating an idle vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations.
Aside from veterans living with PTSD, you can help those who are facing other grave issues as well. Your car donation will also benefit veterans in your area who have no place to call home, those who can’t find stable jobs, those who are suffering from service-connected disabilities, and those who are suffering from various illnesses.
We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and distribute the proceeds to leading military and veteran nonprofit organizations that we are in partnership with. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funds that we distribute to them to provide their veteran beneficiaries in your area with life-enriching services, including free psychotherapy treatment, quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, educational scholarships, and family support.
In exchange for your donation, we’ll mail to you the 100% tax-deductible sales tax receipt of your vehicle within 30 days after its sale. This receipt will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
We also offer free vehicle removal to our donors in all 50 states. Just let us know when and where you want your car hauled away, and we’ll coordinate with a professional towing company to take care of it. As for paperwork, you can count on us to handle everything.
On top of the material rewards that will come your way, you’ll also experience the priceless joy and satisfaction of doing an act of charity that will help our nation’s heroes in turning their lives around.
Almost all types of vehicles qualify for our donation program, even those that are no longer in good shape. You may visit this page to learn what they are.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us at 877-594-5822 or you may write to us here. Head over to our FAQs page to see how our donation process works.
Celebrate National PTSD Awareness Day Meaningfully
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Imagine all the horrors our vets had to go through just to keep us safe and preserve our liberties. Until now, many of them are still traumatized. Your car donation may sound simple, but the impact it will make on their lives will be huge. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: May 8th, 2023