SE Texas Times

Each year, the month of June is designated as National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. This awareness month began to educate communities about PTSD and provide support and resources to those individuals living with this condition. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, or serious accidents. People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged. These symptoms can be severe and can last long enough to significantly impair the person’s daily life.

An estimated 6 percent of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, around 4% of men will develop PTSD while 8% of women will develop PTSD which means women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD.

It is important to recognize that PTSD can affect people from all walks of life and all age groups. However, military personnel are disproportionately affected due to their exposure to potentially traumatic events during combat. Consequently, the US Veterans Administration (VA) created the National Center for PTSD to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America’s Veterans and others who have experienced trauma or who suffer from PTSD through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.

Another organization that provides support to veterans is the PTSD Foundation of America. This non-profit organization is dedicated to mentoring combat veterans and their families with posttraumatic stress. An important resource they provide is Camp Hope: Interim Housing for Veterans. Camp Hope opened in 2012 in Houston, TX. In addition to temporary housing, Camp Hope offers a 90+ day PTSD recovery program where residents attend group lessons and support sessions with other combat veterans; conduct individual mentoring sessions with certified combat trauma mentors; participate in off-site small group interaction activities such as fishing, hiking, local activities and events; and get involved with local churches, businesses, and volunteer organizations.

Raising awareness for everyone with PTSD regarding treatment options is crucial. There is a Veterans Crisis Line available at 1-800-273-8255 (press one). For more resources visit Texas Veterans Commission.

"If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article," stated State Representative Todd Hunter from District 32, "please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office." Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.