Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people, from veterans and first responders to survivors of abuse, accidents, or traumatic loss. It doesn’t discriminate. PTSD can impact anyone, and its effects ripple through relationships, careers, and overall well-being. That’s why June, PTSD Awareness Month, is the perfect time to break the stigma, start conversations, and take meaningful steps toward healing.
At A Step Ahead, we believe understanding is the first step toward recovery. Whether you’re navigating PTSD yourself or supporting someone who is, here’s what you need to know.
What is PTSD, Really?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Symptoms may include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Anxiety and hypervigilance
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Avoidance of triggers
- Irritability or sudden anger
It’s more than just “not getting over it”. PTSD alters brain chemistry and stress response. But with the right support, healing is possible.
How People Living with PTSD Can Support Their Recovery
Managing PTSD doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some proven ways to take control:
- Talk About It, In Your Way
- Whether it’s journaling, talking to a therapist, or connecting with others through a mental health app like A Step Ahead, expressing what you’re experiencing is a vital part of healing.
- Practice Grounding Techniques
- Use mindfulness exercises to help you stay present when triggered. Deep breathing, body scans, or naming objects in your surroundings can help you break the anxiety loop.
- Build a Toolkit of Coping Strategies
- Track what helps and what doesn’t. Maybe it’s music, a walk, or a moment of solitude. Use A Step Ahead’s tools to log what works best for you.
- Don’t Go It Alone
- Therapy, especially trauma-informed or EMDR, can be life-changing. Look for local therapists or use telehealth services to make support more accessible.
How You Can Support a Loved One with PTSD
Supporting someone with PTSD can be tricky, especially when you want to help but don’t know how. Here are key tips:
- Listen Without Trying to Fix
- Don’t offer quick solutions. Sometimes the most powerful support is simply being there, validating their feelings, and listening without judgment.
- Learn Their Triggers, Respect Their Boundaries
- If you know what sets them off, you can help reduce stress or avoid unnecessary pain. Don’t push them to talk or “move on.”
- Educate Yourself
- Understanding PTSD helps you show up with empathy and patience. A resource like the National Center for PTSD is a great starting point.
- Encourage Professional Help
- Gently suggest therapy or guide them toward apps or support groups. Just don’t force it. Let them lead their own journey.
“When we understand what someone has gone through, we stop judging the symptoms and start supporting the healing.”
— Dr. Tim Wahlberg, Psychologist & Author
You’re Not Alone. Help Is Just a Step Away.
This PTSD Awareness Month, let’s break the silence and open the door to healing. Whether you’re ready to take that first brave step or help someone else do it, A Step Ahead is here to walk with you.