June 3, 2022
This June, Go the Extra Mile for Someone You Know Who Has PTSD
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk under Pexels License
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known by its acronym PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops in a person following exposure to a traumatic event that causes terror and distress. Symptoms of the condition can manifest a few weeks after the traumatic experience or even years after the incident.
People suffering from PTSD can suffer from impaired daily functionality, which can make it difficult for them to deal with others or hold down a job.
National PTSD Awareness Month is observed in June to promote awareness and understanding of the mental health condition. Concerned organizations and agencies hold activities and events aimed at reaching out to PTSD sufferers.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 6% of the American population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. At any given year, 12 million adults suffer from PTSD in any given year, with a higher prevalence among women than men.
The problem is particularly acute among U.S. veterans who have been exposed to conflict situations and other life-threatening circumstances. It’s estimated that as many as 500,000 U.S. troops who served during the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars have been diagnosed with PTSD.
How to Effectively Help a PTSD Sufferer
Dealing with PTSD requires professional competencies. However, this does not mean that you can’t help a loved one or a friend who is dealing with the disorder. Here are four impactful things you can do to help someone suffering from PTSD:
- Educate yourself.
Educate yourself about the disorder, particularly its symptoms. These include the inability to fall asleep or having constant nightmares. People suffering from PTSD also show a disproportionate burst of anger, depression, anxiety, or a sense of being disconnected from others. They experience reliving traumatic events and feeling unsafe. Aside from learning these symptoms, you also have to understand the possible triggers that cause them and encourage your loved one or friend to seek treatment.
- Show support.
Be there for a PTSD sufferer and let them know that they can always rely on you, offering them a listening ear and a shoulder they can cry on. Don’t pressure the person to open up, but rather, boost their feeling of safety just by being present for them.
- Don’t judge.
People suffering from PTSD find it difficult to share their experiences because they’re afraid of being criticized or judged. Provide a safe space for them by letting them know that you won’t judge them for whatever they’ve done. Prepare yourself for difficult and upsetting stories.
- Respect their experience.
Do not belittle the feelings and experiences of persons with PTSD. Platitudes intended to make them feel better can even make things worse as these may invalidate their feelings.
Here’s How You Can Help Veterans with PTSD
Aside from having a higher risk of suffering from PTSD than others, American veterans also face unique obstacles to accessing adequate treatment. To avail themselves of VA medical benefits, they need to produce documents attesting that they have been honorably discharged. Moreover, they face long waiting lists at VA medical centers. A study conducted by the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research shows that less than half of returning veterans needing mental health services receive any treatment at all.
You have the power to extend a helping hand to veterans with PTSD and those grappling with other tough challenges. If you have a car that you no longer use, that’s all you need to help them. Simply donate that vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. Like us, these IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to serving veterans who are homeless and unable to find decent jobs as well as those suffering from disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health conditions.
Our nonprofit partners use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with free medical treatment, employment opportunities, housing aid, financial assistance, family support, and other services meant to improve their living conditions.
Donating to us is quick and easy. We won’t hassle you with unnecessary steps or complicated paperwork. All you have to do is contact us.
You also won’t go home empty-handed after making your donation. You’ll receive valuable rewards such as the free and fast towing of your unwanted vehicle anywhere in the country.
Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
More importantly, your act of charity will leave you feeling fully satisfied, knowing that you’re helping uplift the lives of the heroes residing in your area.
We accept not just cars but almost all other types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition.
To learn more about Veteran Car Donations, including our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or message us here.
Give Back to Our Heroes Today!
Photo by Pixabay under Pexels License
Our veterans put their lives on the line to fight for our country, protecting us from harm and preserving our liberties. Now is a good time as any to return the favor. Your car donation can make a difference in the lives of the suffering heroes in your community. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023