June is PTSD Awareness Month but what is PTSD—really?
According to the National Center for PTSD, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event — either being part of it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and irritability. If these stress reactions last longer than a month, and interfere with your work, relationships or well-being - it's time to seek help.
“Raising awareness on PTSD during the month of June give us the opportunity to shine the light on this often invisible struggle faced by those living with post-trauma stress challenges. “It helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage open conversations and early interventions, and support those impacted by trauma,” said José Jasso, the Employee Assistance Program manager.
If you suspect that you or someone you know are suffering from PTSD, here are actions you can take:
- Learn the basics: ensure you know what PTSD is and how it presents. Understand PTSD and how it can show up in your life. The Coast Guard’s CG SUPRT website offers many articles on the topic and there are also resources available on the National Center for PTSD’s website. Here is where you can find typical symptoms of PTSD and a video of people sharing their experiences with it.
- Determine if you’re suffering from PTSD. The best way to determine if you have PTSD is to seek the immediate advice of your primary care doctor. In addition, the National Center for PTSD offers a self-assessment screening—if you score a “3” or more, then it is likely that you have PTSD.
- Talk to a Health Care Professional. The National Center for PTSD encourages individuals to contact their health professionals or primary care doctor and suggests that you print out the results of your self-screen as a conversation-starter. Keep in the mind that the screening is not a replacement for a medical diagnosis.
Your medical provider can also explain various treatment options. Common treatment options are talk therapy and medications, however there are other approaches, like complementary and integrative health approaches that can be incorporated into your treatment plan. Examples of this approach would include nutrition and supplements, physical practices like massages and exercises, as well as acupuncture and magnetic stimulation.
If you need to speak with someone or would like more information, Jasso added, “Our CG SUPRT Employee Assistance Program plays a key role in the path to healing and recovery by offering confidential, non-medical counseling, resources and referrals. You may call CG SUPRT at 1-855-247-8778 or visit the CG SUPRT website to get more information or to get connected to resources. CG SUPRT is available 24/7/365.”
The Veteran Crisis Line (call 988 and then press 1) and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) are also available for immediate help. Live chats are available on both sites.
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