PTSD Awareness Month | June 2024

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and is intended to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, and help ensure that those suffering from the invisible wounds of war receive proper treatment.

Thursday, June 27, 2024 is also PTSD Awareness Day.

Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Awareness Month Calendar

Spread the Word. Raise Awareness.

June 1: Take the pledge to raise PTSD Awareness.

June 2: Use the VA’s PTSD image as your Social Media profile pic.

June 3: Share resources like the Veterans Crisis Line.

June 4: Download PTSD Coach or PTSD Family Coach apps.

June 5: Text a Veteran.

June 6: Like the VA’s PTSD Facebook page.

June 7: Get key information on trauma, PTSD and treatment.

June 8: Find or host a PTSD Awareness Event.

June 9: Share the VA’s video about PTSD symptoms on Facebook.

June 10: Learn about and compare PTSD treatment options.

June 11: Take an online course or program.

June 12: Share stories of Veterans who have been there.

June 13: Subscribe to the VA’s PTSD Monthly Update.

June 14: Watch “What is PTSD?” PTSD explained in 4 minutes.

June 15: Share the VA’s PTSD social media posts.

June 16: Retweet one the VA’s #PTSDAwareness tweets.

June 17: Find a local PTSD therapist.

June 18: Practice mindfulness.

June 19: Ask a Veteran how they are doing.

June 20: Follow the VA PTSD profile on Twitter.

June 21: Read “Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment.”

June 22: Order the VA’s “What is PTSD?” card to share.

June 23: Share the VA’s PTSD photo on Instagram.

June 24: Hear what PTSD is like for family members.

June 25: Learn how to talk to your Veteran about mental health care.

June 26: Share the VA’s PTSD webpage with a Veteran.

June 27: Subscribe to the VA’s PTSD YouTube Channel.

June 28: Hear what PTSD is like for Veterans.

June 29: Mail or give out an AboutFace postcard.

June 30: Explore the VA’s PTSD website to learn even more about PTSD.

The History Of PTSD Awareness Month

In 2010, Senator Kent Conrad pushed to get official recognition of PTSD via a “day of awareness” in tribute to a North Dakota National Guard member who took his life following two tours in Iraq (S. Res. 541).

Staff Sergeant Joe Biel died in 2007 after suffering from PTSD; Biel committed suicide after his return from duty to his home state. SSgt. Biel’s birthday, June 27, was selected as the official PTSD Awareness Day, which is now observed every year.

In 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month” (S. Res. 481).

Whereas the designation of a National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month will raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, and help ensure that those suffering from the invisible wounds of war receive proper treatment. S. RES. 481

Get Treatment For PTSD

Those who experience symptoms of PTSD or PTSD-like issues should seek help immediately. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, private care providers, counselors, and therapists can all be helpful in establishing an initial care regimen or refer those suffering from PTSD to a qualified care provider.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has more information on help for PTSD on its’ official site including help finding a therapist.

Those experiencing suicidal feelings or self-destructive urges should get help immediately. The Suicide Crisis Hotline (1-800-273-8255) has a specific resource for veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a Veterans’ Crisis Hotline confidential chat resource.