Each June, PTSD Awareness Month invites the world to pause, learn, and support those living with post-traumatic stress disorder. Often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, PTSD is more than a mental health condition – it’s a lived experience that affects millions across the globe. With roots in military trauma but far-reaching implications across civilian life, understanding PTSD is essential to building a more compassionate, informed, and supportive society.
This month offers the opportunity to elevate conversations around trauma, shine a light on emerging treatment methods, and reinforce the idea that healing is not only possible – it’s happening every day through therapy, support, and resilience.
The Origins of PTSD Awareness Month
PTSD Awareness Month was officially designated by the U.S. Senate in 2014, though efforts to bring visibility to trauma-related mental health conditions long predate the resolution. The movement gained momentum in response to the growing recognition of psychological injuries sustained by military personnel returning from combat. Yet as mental health advocacy evolved, so too did the understanding that PTSD is not limited to warzones.
This month-long awareness effort stemmed from the earlier establishment of PTSD Awareness Day on June 27th, in honor of Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, a National Guard member who tragically died following struggles with PTSD. His legacy inspired policymakers to expand the awareness day into a full month of education, outreach, and community engagement.
Today, PTSD Awareness Month includes campaigns by organizations such as the National Center for PTSD, Veterans Affairs, and Mental Health America, offering resources for both those affected and the public at large.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition that can develop following the experience or witnessing of a traumatic event. While it is commonly associated with military combat, PTSD can also emerge after:
-
Physical or sexual assault
-
Natural disasters
-
Car accidents
-
Domestic violence
-
Childhood abuse
-
Life-threatening illness or injury
PTSD affects approximately 1 in 11 people in their lifetime, though the exact figure is believed to be higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. It is characterized by symptoms that persist for more than a month and significantly impair daily functioning.
Key Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) outlines several core symptom clusters:
-
Intrusion symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts
-
Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders of the trauma
-
Negative changes in mood and cognition: Persistent guilt, emotional numbness, memory problems
-
Arousal and reactivity: Hypervigilance, insomnia, irritability, and exaggerated startle response
Importantly, the manifestation of PTSD can vary widely. Some individuals become withdrawn and dissociative, while others may act impulsively or aggressively. The condition often overlaps with anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and chronic pain.
Destigmatizing PTSD
One of the key aims of PTSD Awareness Month is destigmatization. For too long, PTSD was seen as a sign of weakness or emotional instability. In truth, it is a neurological and psychological response to extreme stress – no different from the way the body bleeds when cut or swells when bruised.
Public education is central to dismantling myths and encouraging individuals to seek help. Awareness campaigns challenge outdated perceptions and underscore the idea that trauma recovery is valid, complex, and deeply personal.
Therapeutic Pathways to Healing
Though PTSD can be deeply disruptive, it is also treatable. A growing body of research supports multiple forms of therapy and care modalities. These treatments aim not only to reduce symptoms but also to restore a sense of safety, identity, and control.
1. Counselling and Psychotherapy
Evidence-based psychotherapy remains a cornerstone of PTSD treatment. Common approaches include:
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Targets negative thought patterns and behaviors
-
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories and situations
-
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helps individuals reframe distorted thoughts related to the trauma
-
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to process traumatic memories
These therapies are often delivered by licensed clinical psychologists, counselors, or trauma-informed therapists. They empower patients to understand their responses, reduce avoidance behaviors, and reintegrate into daily life.
2. Massage Therapy and Somatic Approaches
For some, healing begins in the body. Trauma isn’t just stored in the brain – it’s encoded in the nervous system, muscles, and fascia. Massage therapy, particularly when delivered by practitioners trained in trauma sensitivity, can support PTSD recovery in powerful ways:
-
Encourages relaxation and parasympathetic activation
-
Increases bodily awareness and reconnection
-
Reduces muscle tension linked to chronic hyperarousal
-
Provides safe, structured physical touch
Massage can be especially helpful for those who find verbal processing overwhelming or inaccessible.
Other somatic therapies like yoga therapy, body-focused mindfulness, and Feldenkrais Method practices have also been shown to ease symptoms by helping individuals re-establish a sense of agency over their body.
3. Alternative and Complementary Therapies
In addition to mainstream psychotherapy, a number of alternative approaches are gaining traction for their effectiveness in trauma recovery:
-
Art therapy and music therapy: Creative expression provides an outlet when words are insufficient
-
Animal-assisted therapy: Interaction with therapy dogs or horses offers comfort and grounding
-
Nature therapy/ecotherapy: Spending time outdoors is increasingly recognized for its calming, restorative effects
-
Acupuncture: May help regulate stress hormones and reduce anxiety symptoms
The key with any modality is finding what aligns with an individual’s comfort level and needs. For some, a combination of talk therapy and somatic work is most effective. For others, group support, medication, or creative outlets may play a central role.
Building a Culture of Support
PTSD recovery is not linear, and it rarely happens in isolation. Social support is one of the most predictive factors in successful healing. During PTSD Awareness Month, families, friends, employers, and communities are reminded of their role in:
-
Listening without judgment
-
Encouraging professional help
-
Being patient with emotional ups and downs
-
Learning the signs of crisis or retraumatization
For those with PTSD, even simple actions – like feeling heard, seen, and respected – can create the foundation for transformation.
Taking Action in June and Beyond
Here are a few ways individuals and organizations can engage with PTSD Awareness Month:
-
Share educational resources on social media
-
Host a mental health workshop at work or school
-
Donate to veteran or trauma support organizations
-
Attend a public event or virtual seminar
-
Check in on someone who may be struggling
Most importantly, commit to making awareness a year-round effort. Trauma doesn’t end on July 1st, and neither should our care or advocacy.
Final Thoughts
PTSD Awareness Month isn’t just about learning definitions or statistics – it’s about seeing the humanity behind the condition. It’s about validating suffering, celebrating resilience, and supporting the journey back to wholeness. Whether through counselling, massage, art, or connection, healing takes many forms – and every path deserves respect.