Skip to content

June is PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding and supporting those affected

Approximately 8 million individuals in the U.S. are living with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and support them, especially our military and veteran workforce members who may be at higher risk.

PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster or assault. The symptoms of PTSD can vary but may include:

  • Flashbacks
  • Irritability
  • Memory and attention difficulties
  • Fatigue
  • Poor self-care, including neglecting personal health and hygiene
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Insomnia
  • Hyperarousal, or being easily startled or feeling on edge

Those who have PTSD may re-experience the traumatic event, have negative thoughts or avoid situations that remind them of the event.

Supporting our military and veteran workforce

Serving our country is patriotic and brave, but life after military service can present unique challenges. Following the military observances in May, it’s important to be aware that our military and veteran colleagues may have a higher susceptibility to PTSD.

Here are some ways you can show your support or get confidential help for PTSD:

  • Participate in a virtual walk: Join a Step Up for PTSD Awareness Virtual Walk during June. You can find more information and register here.
  • Access confidential support: If you or a loved one needs help with PTSD or other mental health problem, contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line 24/7. Effective treatments for PTSD do exist, and seeking help is a crucial step toward recovery.
  • Contact SupportLinc: For in-the-moment support, reach out to SupportLinc, the employee assistance program for both Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine. SupportLinc offers culturally competent, licensed clinicians who provide short-term counseling and can connect you to higher levels of care when needed. They also offers resources for anxiety and stress, financial management, relocation, grief and loss and more.
  • Check your emotional fitness: Use the Mental Health Navigator on SupportLinc, which provides a personalized and confidential report with recommended care options based on your results.
  • In a crisis? Call or text 988: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24-hour confidential support to anyone having thoughts of suicide or emotional distress. Veterans and their loved ones can dial 1 to connect with the Veterans/Military Crisis Line.

By raising awareness and offering support, we can help those living with PTSD lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This information is provided by the Military/Veteran Business Resource Group at Penn State Health. The resource group includes employees who have served or are allies to our military members. For more information or to get involved in a BERG or other resource group, contact the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 717-531-1012 or diversity@pennstatehealth.psu.edu, or complete this short survey to register.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.