June is National PTSD Awareness Month

Every year since 2010, the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has declared June National PTSD Awareness Month.  Last week, I had the honor and privilege of presenting my story during a webinar hosted by the American College of Healthcare Sciences titled: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Holistic Wellness as a Path to a More Balanced Life.  The webinar was an hour long and included a Q and A session at the end.  Once the webinar is released for non-attendees I will post it to my blog for my readers to view as well

     A question was asked about my thoughts on treatment options for Secondary PTSD and here was my response: According to the website Family of a Vet, secondary PTSD is not recognized in the DSM Manual of Mental Disorders.  Secondary PTSD happens to a caregiver (spouse, child, mother, father) who lives with someone with primary PTSD.  The caregiver begins to mirror some of the behaviors of their loved one.   I believe that whether primary or secondary, CAM protocols can be used to support the nervous system of either party just the same. I would suggest that the caregiver seek psychological counseling and support as well.  There is an organization that offers free counseling to veterans of the armed forces and their families called Give An Hour which includes a nationwide database of counselors that are willing to donate hours to this cause.  It is very important that those who live with or care for someone with PTSD are not left behind on the emotional battlefield.

 

 

 

Final thoughts

     PTSD can be a lifelong struggle of which one can suffer in silence yet still manifest outward signs to others.  To heal, one must take a good look in the proverbial mirror to find the underlying cause.  I believe asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a show of courage and strength.  This quote sums up the struggle of PTSD:

"We are not tested to show our weakness, but to find our strength."