PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Healing Together
June marks PTSD Awareness Month, a crucial time to pause and deepen our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Clarvida, we know that healing begins with awareness, compassion, and community support. This month, we want to invite you to join us in breaking down myths, ending stigma, and learning how simple acts of kindness can make a world of difference for those living with PTSD.
So, what exactly is PTSD? It’s a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While many people associate PTSD primarily with military veterans, the reality is that PTSD can affect anyone — survivors of abuse, accidents, violence, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or significant loss. Around 6% of adults in the U.S. will face PTSD in their lifetime, and each story is unique.
Despite how common it is, misunderstanding PTSD still runs deep. Myths about what PTSD “looks like” or who it affects can create barriers for people seeking support. For example, some believe PTSD only impacts veterans, or that people with PTSD are violent, but these simply aren’t true. In fact, PTSD symptoms don’t always show up immediately after trauma and can remain hidden for months or even years. Talking about trauma in a safe environment often helps healing — it doesn’t make things worse. And far from being a sign of weakness, PTSD is a normal response to overwhelming stress.
Understanding these truths is the first step to fostering empathy and connection. But what can you do if someone you care about is living with PTSD? The good news is, you don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a meaningful difference. Simply listening without judgment, respecting their boundaries, and asking how you can best support them can provide immense comfort. Sometimes, just saying, “I’m here for you — no pressure to talk,” or “You’re not alone,” can help a person feel seen and understood.
It’s also important to recognize when someone might be in crisis. If they talk about self-harm, feel disconnected from reality, or struggle with basic daily needs, don’t hesitate to connect them with immediate help by calling 988 or texting HOME to 741741.
Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally demanding, so don’t forget to care for yourself, too. Setting your own boundaries, seeking support, and practicing self-care aren’t just acts of kindness toward yourself—they also help you be a steady source of support for others.
This month, we encourage everyone to participate in PTSD Awareness Month activities. Whether it’s wearing blue on June 27th to show solidarity for Blue for PTSD Day, sharing messages of hope in your community, or reflecting through writing about moments of safety and healing, every gesture contributes to a more compassionate and informed world.
If you want to learn more or need resources, organizations like the National Center for PTSD, NAMI Family Support, and SAMHSA Trauma & Violence provide invaluable information and support. Books like The Body Keeps the Score, Loving Someone with PTSD, and What My Bones Know offer deeper insights into the lived experiences of trauma and recovery.
Our hope this month—and every month—is that survivors of trauma feel met with understanding rather than judgment, supported rather than rushed. Healing is a journey best taken together.
If you or someone you love is navigating PTSD, remember: You are not alone. Help is available, and support is waiting.
