June is PTSD Awareness month. So, I wanted to take a break from everything else going on to have a little discussion about PTSD.  And the importance of knowing how to deal with a loved one who is suffering from PTSD.

Did you know that 4.4% of Americans aged 18-64 are diagnosed with PTSD? And that between 2005-2015 138,000 military personal received a new diagnosis of PTSD? What is interesting about the military statistics is that not all those who suffer from PTSD receive a diagnosis or treatment due to the stigma that surrounds mental health and being weak in military culture. 10-20% is the AVERAGE POST-DEPLOYMENT PTSD PREVALENCE IN U.S. INFANTRY PERSONNEL. Can you imagine, living in those memories for the rest of your life? The sounds, the sights, the smells? It must be a nightmare each and every day to function in a society that has no idea what you have been through.

(https://www.cohenveteransbioscience.org/post-traumatic-stress/)

Now, Today I am focusing on military, but there are a lot of others out there who suffer from PTSD that are not related to military causes. I will get into those later. But today, my focus is on military related because it is near and dear to my heart.

Below are five major myths we need to stop believing about PTSD.

Myth #1: Only combat veterans can get PTSD.

Myth #2: Everyone who is exposed to a traumatic event develops PTSD.

Myth #3: People who develop PTSD are weak.

Myth #4: PTSD cannot be treated.

Myth #5: PTSD is a personal issue.

(https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/blog/myth-vs-facts-about-ptsd/)

People who suffer from PTSD are NOT WEAK! I cannot emphasize that enough. The unfortunate side of effect of believing that PTSD makes you weak is suicide. Especially, veteran suicide. The feeling that they are so lost, hurt and weak so they do not deserve to live. On average 22 veterans a day commit suicide for many reasons, homelessness, PTSD, drug addiction, hopelessness. This is unacceptable when we have so many programs out there to help service members, but they either don't know about them, cannot gain access to them, or are too afraid to utilize them for fear of being weak. Worst of all, they do not have family to support them.

Family members of those who suffer from PTSD also are not educated or mentored in how to help their loved one who is suffering. We all want to help "fix" the problem, but often we don't recognize the signs of a PTSD attack, or how to deal with it when it does happen. Even we don't listen to our loved one when they tell us they are in an uncomfortable position. We often advise them to get over it, or it will get better, just try and you’ll be fine. It is important for loved ones to recognize how their veteran reacts and behaves in certain situations. It gives you tools to be proactive in aiding them through navigation of a stressful situation. It is important to have conversations with your loved one to have a better understanding of their feelings and what scenarios may cause a reaction. Unfortunately, there is not much training for loved ones to help. However, there is a group out there dedicated in educating loved ones on PTSD awareness.

I met the guys from Project Refit (https://www.facebook.com/projectrefitus/ ) at a Jeep event last year and really loved what they were promoting. Not only are they doing virtual buddy checks as well as in person when COVID restrictions are lifted, they also provide literature, counseling, and help to families with members who suffer from PTSD. Giving them the tools, they need to help with their loved one. Helping not only the service member or first responders, but the families is what made me most excited about their cause. It is hard as the family of a loved one who suffers from PTSD to navigate how to help our them deal with stressful situations. It would have been a blessing to not have to figure it out on our own, and to have that support system on our side when he first came home. I am LOVING what these guys do and hope that you will take the time to check them out.

In an effort to bring light to PTSD and to veteran suicide below are some links to share with your loved ones on how to obtain help for PTSD, for veterans’ benefits, and for understanding and preventing suicide. While this post ran long, I do have more to mention and will continue this conversation another day. But for now I am also providing links to the veteran’s crisis line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/), and to the Mission 22 Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Mi22ion.) I’ll provide more information on their services later, as well as bring information to those not in the military and other forms of PTSD.

I hope even one person finds this information helpful and will utilize it to help others. As always, if you have questions just ask. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll certainly find it for you. I hope you all have a blessed day.