Some tragedies leave physical scars. While these injuries can be painful and debilitating, they are often understood by the sufferer and those around them because the impact can be readily seen. However, in the aftermath of a trauma, emotional suffering can be challenging to identify and understand because it isn’t visible. Because of this, PTSD can be difficult to recognize, even for the individuals suffering from it and those who work, live, and have relationships with them.

After a tragedy, there are many reasons that PTSD can go unrecognized. There may be environmental circumstances that don’t allow for the time and space to process and heal. New behaviors may make sense in the face of real danger. But after a period of months, years, or decades has passed we might feel that we should have “gotten over it”. In addition, we may think that the trauma could have been “worse” or that one’s ability to cope should be “better”. Terms like “strong” and “weak” give rise to judgments about the right way to cope with situations that threaten our survival and damage the emotional response system that is designed to recognize danger and assist us in protecting ourselves. I regularly see patients whose PTSD symptoms have been attributed to perceived character flaws rather than viewed as the consequences of a damaged fear response.

While PTSD is an issue deserving of year-round attention, I appreciate any opportunity to bring critical awareness to this issue. In 2010, June 27th was designated as National PTSD Awareness Day and since 2014, June has been designated PTSD Awareness Month. These programs bring national attention to a problem that will impact 7-8% of adults in the US over the course of their lifetime. Research has shown that encouragement by a survivor’s social network increases the odds of PTSD sufferers seeking help. So just by talking about PTSD, normalizing trauma-related symptoms, and encouraging loved ones to seek mental health assistance we can all make a difference.

This year, I am proud to be a contributor to FriendsFightBack.com, a website created to offer year-round support and information for trauma survivors and the people who care about them. My hope is that a growing awareness about the emotional aftermath of trauma translates to a greater understanding and system of support for all survivors.

Things you can do:

Together, we can overcome PTSD.