June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to reducing stigma, raising awareness and connecting those in need of help to the proper resources available. PTSD occurs when the body’s natural reaction to a threatening situation is changed or damaged so that they feel stressed or frightened even when there is no danger present. While PTSD is commonly associated with war veterans, incidents such as mugging, rape, torture, being kidnapped, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings or natural disasters can also have the same effect on individuals.
Have you or a loved one been experiencing some of these symptoms?
- Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
- Bad dreams
- Frightening thoughts.
- Losing interest in activities that were enjoyable in the past
- Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Being easily startled
- Feeling tense or “on edge”
If so, there is help available. Take the first step to healing by taking the free, anonymous online mental health screening here on our website. The screening only takes a few minutes and provides confidential results. Then you can call 815-756-4875 for more information on services and how to get help.
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