Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in June and Its Impact on Mental Health

PTSD Does Not Discriminate

June is a significant month for mental health. Beyond the start of summer and longer days, it’s also Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. 

I urge you to help raise awareness about PTSD. In my role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at HC Mental Health and Wellness Telepsych NP, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of those with PTSD as they work towards recovery, along with notable improvements in treatment, particularly through the growth of telehealth services.

Many of us are familiar with PTSD, but there are some aspects you might not be aware of. First, PTSD goes beyond normal stress reactions, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Interestingly, women are twice as likely to experience PTSD as men. Although it's commonly linked to military service members, the truth is that more than 80% of PTSD cases occur in civilians.

PTSD is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor is it something that people "just get over." Instead, it's a complex response to trauma that can profoundly impact a person's life, affecting their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors long after the danger has passed. 

PTSD doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, regardless of age, gender, background, or profession. While commonly associated with veterans, first responders, and survivors of combat, it can also manifest in individuals who have experienced:

• Serious accidents

• Natural disasters

• Assaults (physical or sexual)

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Unexpected deaths of loved ones

• Medical trauma

  
  

The impact of PTSD ripples through individuals and their families, often leading to isolation, strained relationships, and a diminished quality of life.

A father and his children unite in a moment of harmony and tranquility, joining together in a prayer.

The Echoes of Trauma: Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into four main clusters:

Intrusive Thoughts:

Intrusive Thoughts: These are unwanted and distressing memories of the traumatic event. They can take the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or vivid thoughts that feel as real as if the event is happening again.

Avoidance:

Avoidance: Individuals might actively try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. This could mean avoiding places, people, conversations, activities, or even thoughts and feelings associated with the event.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This cluster includes persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world ("I'm bad," "No one can be trusted," "The world is dangerous"). It can also involve feelings of detachment, a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, and a sense of a foreshortened future.

Changes in Arousal and Reactivity:

Changes in Arousal and Reactivity: People with PTSD often experience increased irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, hypervigilance (being constantly on guard), and an exaggerated startle response.

These symptoms can fluctuate in intensity and can be incredibly disruptive to daily life.

Telehealth and PTSD Treatment

Access to specialized trauma therapy has long been challenging due to geographic limitations, stigma, and the difficulty of leaving home, particularly for those with symptoms like avoidance or social withdrawal. The evolution of telehealth has transformed mental healthcare. At HC Mental Health and Wellness, we offer telehealth services, providing accessible and confidential care for individuals healing from PTSD. Our secure virtual platform enables you to receive support from the comfort and privacy of your own home, eliminating common treatment barriers.

Once a niche service, telehealth has become a widely accepted and effective modality for treating PTSD. Research shows that evidence-based trauma-focused therapies delivered via telehealth are as effective as in-person treatment (Mayo Clinic, 2024; PTSD: National Center for PTSD, n.d.). This shift has been a game-changer, offering:

A man effortlessly connects with his therapist from home using a laptop to participate in a telehealth session for PTSD support.

• Increased Accessibility: Telehealth breaks down geographical barriers, bringing specialized care to individuals in rural areas or those with limited transportation.

• Enhanced Comfort and Safety: For many with PTSD, their home environment offers a crucial sense of security. Engaging in therapy from a familiar and private space can significantly reduce anxiety and promote deeper engagement in the therapeutic process (Improving Lives Now, 2025).

• Flexibility and Convenience: Telehealth sessions can be scheduled more easily around work, family, or other commitments, increasing consistency in treatment.

• Reduced Stigma: The ability to receive care discreetly from home can alleviate concerns about being seen entering a mental health clinic, which can be a significant hurdle for some.

• This evolution means that effective, compassionate care is no longer limited by physical proximity, opening doors to healing for countless individuals who might otherwise be denied access.

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Pathways to Healing: Therapies and Treatments

The good news is that PTSD is treatable, and a range of effective therapies and treatments are available. The goal of treatment is to help individuals process the traumatic memories, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of control over their lives.

Evidence-Based Therapies:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This is a highly effective therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns related to the trauma. It often involves gradually exposing oneself to traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment to reduce their emotional impact (NHS, 2022).

Prolonged Exposure (PE): PE is a specific type of CBT that involves repeatedly confronting thoughts, feelings, and situations that have been avoided since the trauma. This helps individuals learn that these reminders are not actually dangerous and that their anxiety will decrease over time (PTSD: National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT focuses on how the traumatic event is understood and interpreted. It helps individuals challenge and change problematic beliefs they developed after the trauma, such as self-blame or beliefs about safety and trust (PTSD: National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a unique therapy that involves recalling distressing memories while making specific eye movements or receiving other bilateral stimulation. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, it's believed to help the brain process traumatic memories more effectively, reducing their emotional charge (NHS, 2022).

Medication Management:

For some individuals, medication can be a valuable adjunct to therapy, helping to manage distressing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The most commonly prescribed medications for PTSD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These can include Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). It's important to discuss the benefits and potential side effects of any medication with a qualified healthcare provider (PTSD: National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Spreading the Word, Fostering Hope

PTSD Awareness Month is a powerful opportunity to educate ourselves and our communities, reduce stigma, and encourage those struggling to seek help. Here's how we can all contribute:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Share accurate information about PTSD. Understanding the condition helps to dispel myths and fosters empathy.

• Listen with Empathy: If someone shares their experience with trauma, listen without judgment. Being heard can be incredibly validating.

• Support Mental Health Initiatives: Advocate for increased access to mental healthcare and support organizations dedicated to PTSD research and treatment.

• Share Your Story (If You're Comfortable): Personal stories can be compelling in normalizing mental health struggles and inspiring others to seek help.

• Utilize Resources: Share reputable resources like the Veterans Crisis Line, the National Center for PTSD, and local mental health services.

  
  

By collaborating, we can foster a world where seeking help for PTSD is met with understanding and effective treatment is accessible. If you or a loved one struggles with PTSD, consider exploring telehealth services at HC Mental Health and Wellness to begin healing.

References

Improving Lives Now. (2025, May 19). Is telehealth therapy in Miami effective for anxiety, depression, and PTSD? Retrieved from https://improvinglivesnow.com/is-telehealth-therapy-in-miami-effective-for-anxiety-depression-and-ptsd/

Mayo Clinic. (2024, August 16). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973

NHS. (2022, June 3). Treatment - Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/treatment/

PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Medications for PTSD. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/meds_for_ptsd.asp

PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Overview of psychotherapy for PTSD. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/overview_therapy.asp

PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). PTSD and telemental health. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/telemental_health.asp