June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness month. This is the second of three blogs that'll explore what PTSD is, who’s at risk, and where anyone needing assistance can go for help.
Who’s at Risk for Getting PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can strike anyone who has been through a traumatic experience at any stage of their life. However, the following people are at a higher risk of being affected:
- People who suffer from depression
- People who have an anxiety disorder
- People with eating disorders
- People with substance abuse issues
- People who suffered traumatic experiences as children
How Common is PTSD?
According to the Heal My PTSD website, the following statistics represent how PTSD has impacted the United States:
- Currently 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some form of trauma. From that, 20% of these people will go on to develop PTSD.
- Presently 24.4 million people in the U.S. are suffering from PTSD.
- Roughly 50% of all mental health outpatients suffer from PTSD.
- 1-out-of-10 women in the U.S. are suffering from PTSD.
- 20% of soldiers who have been deployed within the past 6 years will develop PTSD.
- 1-in-5 people in the military returning from Afghanistan and Iraq are dealing with PTSD.
- 30-60% of children who have been subjected to a traumatic event have PTSD.
What Are Some Signs That Someone Might Have PTSD?
Some signs of PTSD may include:
- A tendency to isolate and appear withdrawn
- Experiencing chronic pain
- Personal conflicts at work or home
- Ongoing relationship problems
- Drinking, eating, or using drugs as a form of escape
Where Can I Get More Information About PTSD?
To find more information about PTSD, visit one of the following websites:
If you’re a Hocking College student who might be suffering from some form of PTSD, contact the Hocking College Counseling Center at (740) 753-6564