June is PTSD Awareness Month. During this time of the year, there are several ways the public can participate in helping increase awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. In fact, education is a large part of why this month is in place. Learning about PTSD and trauma therapy increases the number of people who know that treatment is available and recovery from this condition is possible.
At Baltimore Detox Center, our trauma therapy program gives people the opportunity to heal from past traumatic events. Also, once people address and overcome past trauma, they are far less likely to engage in drug or alcohol use.
Discover More About PTSD Awareness Month
PTSD Awareness Month during June features several ways opportunities for public recognition of PTSD. The month of awareness arose originally from a single day, June 27, marked as PTSD Awareness Day. Due to the prevalence of this condition in modern society, its severity in the lives of those affected, and the shame some feel about it, the single-day expanded to a month.
During PTSD Awareness Month, people can combat shame in those with PTSD by learning about the condition and how to help those affected. First, to participate in PTSD Awareness Day or month, learn about this condition.
Spread the Word About Recognizing PTSD Symptoms
Understanding PTSD and spreading the word about its symptoms can raise awareness in those around the individual while helping others recognize if they have the condition.
Those who get PTSD can be anyone from people who experienced natural disasters, lived through war, had a traumatizing childhood, or survived accidents or other events. Therefore, there is not a single type of person who gets PTSD. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Isolating from things that bring back memories of the trauma
- Nightmares and sleeping problems
- Daytime sleepiness or inability to focus on regular activities
- Easily startling or being always on edge
- Using drugs or alcohol to avoid remembering the trauma or to numb emotions
- Isolating from friends and family
Those who have these symptoms of PTSD may need help in a trauma therapy program, especially if addiction is part of the problem. With help, recovering from the trauma and quitting co-current addictions is possible. However, people with PTSD need to reach out for assistance.
Encourage Others to Get Help for PTSD
Lastly, to participate in PTSD Awareness Month, individuals can encourage those with symptoms of trauma or addictions co-current with PTSD to get professional help. Those who have an addiction and PTSD require special treatment through a dual diagnosis recovery program. This type of care focuses on providing therapy for trauma and offering drug or alcohol addiction treatment. Getting help for both is important because many with PTSD may use drugs or alcohol to numb their emotions, improve sleep, or forget the trauma. However, substance use only worsens the condition and leads to addiction.
Because many people who have served in the military experience PTSD, they may feel reluctant to seek help. Getting help for PTSD or addiction is not a sign of weakness, as some people fear. In fact, reaching out for assistance to overcome PTSD symptoms and addictions that come with them can show strength. Encouraging those who need help to get it can be a powerful way to support others and reduce the stigma surrounding PTSD and mental health treatment.
Heal Both Trauma and Addiction Today at Baltimore Detox Center
PTSD Awareness Month works as long the public participates by learning more about the condition. Additionally, every participant can spread the information they learn to others. Plus, they can encourage those close to them to get help for addiction and PTSD.
At Baltimore Detox Center, we provide a well-rounded addiction recovery program that customizes treatment to individual needs. For more information about Baltimore Detox Center, call us at [Direct] or fill out our website contact form. We help many patients, including those with trauma, to improve their mental health while quitting addictions.
