PA Governor Wolf Proclaims June as "PTSD Awareness Month", June 27 PTSD Awareness Day

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to raise public awareness about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its effective treatments, Governor Tom Wolf has proclaimed June to be "PTSD Awareness Month" and June 27 as "PTSD Awareness Day."

"It's hard to know exactly how many of Pennsylvania's nearly one million veterans suffer from PTSD, but it is our job to make them and their family members aware that there are options and resources available in the commonwealth," said Governor Wolf. "No one should have to suffer in silence and allow PTSD to damage relationships or cause difficulties at work or school. There are treatments that can help improve your quality of life."

Hundreds of thousands of service members who served in all of our nation's conflicts have been clinically diagnosed with PTSD, a condition affecting an estimated 7.7 million Americans. It can occur after any kind of traumatic event such as combat exposure, sexual or physical abuse, a serious accident, or natural disaster. Symptoms can include nightmares, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, panic, anger, irritability, headaches and depression, to name a few. Many people have some stress-related symptoms after a trauma, but if the symptoms don't go away over time or disrupt your life, the diagnosis could be PTSD.

"Service members should know that emotional or psychological problems are not a sign of weakness. Finding solutions to problems is a sign of strength," said Maj. Gen. James Joseph, the adjutant general of Pennsylvania. "PTSD is a treatable condition and it's important that our men and women know that it's okay to admit to your struggles and seek help."

More information on post-traumatic stress can be found at www.ptsd.va.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Jeff Sheridan, 717-783-1116
Joan Nissley, 717-861-8720

PROCLAMATION

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH
June 2015

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER DAY
June 27, 2015

WHEREAS, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic or life-threatening event and is persistently re-experienced in one's life through upsetting memories of the incident, increased nervousness or difficulty sleeping; and

WHEREAS, PTSD affects about 7.7 million American adults, but can occur at any age, including childhood; and

WHEREAS, without treatment, PTSD can lead to alcohol and drug abuse, heart attacks, depression, dementia, suicide and stroke; and

WHEREAS, although anyone can suffer from PTSD, victims are often war veterans and survivors of physical and sexual assault, abuse, accidents, disasters and other serious events; and

WHEREAS, not everyone with PTSD has personally experienced a dangerous event. Some people suffer from PTSD after a friend or a family member experiences danger or is harmed; and

WHEREAS, treatment options include psychotherapy, medication or a combination depending on the individual, and such a treatment from a mental health care provider can address a variety of symptoms; and

WHEREAS, the need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for those suffering from PTSD is critical for the wellbeing of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH and June 27, 2015, as POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS DAY in Pennsylvania and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this tenth day of June in the Year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen, and of the Commonwealth the two-hundred and thirty-ninth.

TOM WOLF
Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us