National PTSD Awareness Day
National PTSD Awareness Day is observed each year on June 27 in order to honor and bring awareness to Veterans and others suffering from PTSD. The day is intended to encourage open discussion about the symptoms and causes of PTSD, as well as to encourage those who suffer from PTSD to seek treatment.
A day of awareness in recognition of PTSD was first suggested in 2010 by Senator Kent Conrad as a tribute to North Dakota National Guard member, Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. Staff Sergeant Biel served two tours in Iraq as Trailblazer, a unit whose responsibilities included clearing routes of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other dangers to ensure safe travel for coalition forces and Iraqi civilians. As a result of those experiences and what he witnessed, Staff Sergeant Biel suffered from PTSD. After returning home from duty, Staff Sergeant Biel tragically died by suicide in April 2007. Staff Sergeant Biel’s birthday, June 27, was designated as PTSD Awareness Day and has been recognized yearly ever since.
While PTSD did not become an official diagnosis until 1980, the existence of trauma and its effects, particularly combat-related trauma, goes back thousands of years. Greek literature dating as far back as 490 B.C. references a soldier losing his eyesight after witnessing the death of a fellow soldier. Similar accounts arise in the literature of many early cultures, suggesting soldiers throughout time have suffered similar effects due to stress of military service. Following his service as an assistant surgeon in the Civil War, Jacob Mendoza Da Costa noted symptoms including shortness of breath, rapid pulse, and fatigue and referred to the constellation of symptoms as “DaCosta’s Syndrome”. Later conflicts gave way to new ways of classifying these symptoms, including “shell shock” and “battle fatigue”.
In 1980, PTSD was officially added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder-III. The diagnosis stemmed from and was developed based upon research involving Vietnam War Veterans and other trauma survivors. The diagnosis has been revised many times in the years since as the understanding of PTSD and its effects grows.
In the current diagnostic criteria, common symptoms include:
Intrusive memories, such as recurrent unwanted memories of the traumatic event, reliving the traumatic event, and upsetting dreams or nightmares about the event
Avoidance, such as refusing to talk about the traumatic event, or avoiding people or places that remind you of the event
Negative changes in thinking or mood, such as hopelessness about the future, memory problems, difficulty sustaining close relationships, and feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions, such as being easily angered or startled, trouble sleeping, hypervigilance, and feelings of guilt or shame
The National Center for PTSD estimates that 7% of Veterans will experience PTSD in their lifetimes, and 87% of Veterans are exposed to at least one traumatic event, both combat-related and non-combat related. In recognition of the prevalence of PTSD in our Veterans, in recent years VA has continued to work to expand treatment options and facilities, and now offers nearly 200 treatment programs across the country. Research also continues to be pursued as a valuable resource in increasing our understanding of PTSD.
While PTSD can have many negative effects, the most serious consequence is the increased risk of suicide in Veteran’s diagnosed with PTSD. If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available through the Veterans’ Crisis Line by calling 988 or texting 838255. Veterans with hearing loss can contact 800-799-4889.