June is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month

We often use the statement, “That was traumatic”, and people will tell you that you are overexaggerating. But who is to say what is traumatic? Everyone experiences the same events indifferent ways. But what we do know is that many individuals experience stress, traumatic stress and post traumatic stress disorder. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. People may experience a range of reactions after a traumatic event, and most people recover from these symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age.

The following statistics are based on the U.S. population:

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include:

We can help those we support by learning about PTSD, validating their feelings, creating a safe space and finding them help.

Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care continues to advocate for individuals. Please check in with our website at www.PCHC.org to find additional resources on this topic.

• It is estimated that 7 to 8 out of every 100 people (or 7-8% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
• Approximately 8 million adults have PTSD during a given year.
• About 10 of every 100 women (or 10%) develop PTSD sometime in their lives compared with about 4 of every 100 men (or 4%).  
• Learn more about trauma and PTSD.
• https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp

• Being exposed to previous traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood
• Getting hurt or seeing people hurt or killed
• Feeling horror, helplessness, or extreme fear
• Having little or no social support after the event
• Dealing with extra stress after the event, such as loss of a loved one, pain and injury, or loss of a job or home
• Having a personal or family history of mental illness or substance use