Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 6. Source pages: 15.
June is National PTSD Awareness Month, June 20 is National PTSD Screening Day, and June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, named by the U.S. Congress in 2010.
Dr. Kelley Pears, Psychologist, PTSD/SUD Specialist and a member of the PTSD Clinical Team at the Alexandria VA Health Care System spoke about the month to the Times and provided the calendar (right).
"I think its important to note that PTSD is not limited to combat veterans or veterans in general," Dr. Pears said.
"Trauma can be caused by a variety of incidents such as a motor vehicle accident, physical or sexual assault or natural disasters. PTSD has been called the 'invisible wound of war' because there are no external signs, such as scar or prosthetic," he said.
In discussing available resources, Dr. Pears said, "People don’t need to suffer in silence. There are a multitude of resources available. The National Center for PTSD has an incredible website (www.ptsd.va.gov) with resources for clinicians, the survivor and the family members."
The VA also has developed excellent phone apps to help manage symptoms, such as PTSD Coach, PTSD Family Coach, PE Coach, CPT Coach and Mindfulness Coach."
For a full list, explore www.ptsd.va.gov/ap pvid/mobile.
"Also, over the past 10 years, many providers in the private sector have become trained in Evidence Based Psychotherapies to treat PTSD, expanding treatment options. Educating primary care providers and other initial points of entry into healthcare are important so proper referrals can be made," Dr. Pears said.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.