National PTSD Screening Day is an important part of PTSD Awareness Month. On this day, mental health advocates and organizations come together to urge trauma survivors and those affected by trauma to undergo screening for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Without screening, individuals with PTSD may not be aware of PTSD treatment in Florida and may struggle to overcome their symptoms. This can lead to serious complications such as depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. This June 27th, we want to encourage anyone affected by a traumatic experience to get screened.
This blog will provide information about PTSD screenings, how to raise awareness about PTSD screenings, and resources to help you find a screening location near you.
Learn About PTSD and Share What You KnowOne way to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder is to become familiar with its signs and symptoms.
First, it’s important to know that not everyone who experiences trauma develops post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people may avoid speaking about the traumatic experience they’ve had or isolate themselves for a short time to come to terms with what happened. However, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder continue to isolate themselves and experience anxiety surrounding the event long after it’s over.
Why some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder and others don’t isn’t fully understood, but what we do know is that everyone processes trauma differently. In individuals with PTSD, traumatic memories are stored in short-term memory rather than long-term memory. This can cause the memories to resurface frequently, leading to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
These symptoms include:
To learn more about post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as its symptoms and treatment options, visit the following resource:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often misunderstood due to misconceptions surrounding the condition. Many people believe that PTSD only affects military veterans or individuals who have experienced extreme trauma. However, this is not the case.
PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of their occupation, and can even occur after witnessing or hearing about a traumatic event. Unfortunately, misconceptions prevent many people from getting the help they need to heal.
Raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments, will help dispel these misconceptions.
There are many ways you can raise PTSD awareness.
For example:
PTSD screening is not a method of diagnosis but rather an assessment tool used to determine whether a person is likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder. After taking a PTSD screening, one may need to consult a mental health specialist to receive an actual diagnosis.
When sharing information about post-traumatic stress disorder, it’s important to include details about PTSD screening locations. Most PTSD screenings are free and can be performed online or in person.
Popular PTSD screening resources include:
If you know someone who has experienced trauma and is struggling to overcome it, suggest that they get screened for PTSD. This condition may start mild, but if left untreated, it can seriously impact a person’s physical and mental health. Moreover, untreated PTSD can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, depression, or substance use disorders. Encourage your loved one to vent their feelings and get screened to reduce these risks.
It’s important to remember that PTSD screening is a tool to help determine if someone is likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is not a diagnostic tool. You must be seen by a licensed therapist or medical practitioner to receive an actual assessment. They will conduct a mental health screening.
If you receive a PTSD diagnosis after taking this screening, you should begin treatment right away. The sooner you get into a treatment program, the sooner you will begin to feel better.
For information regarding PTSD treatments and support, contact Transformations Mending Fences today. We’re here to help you regain your peace of mind.
