The United States Senate designated June 27th as National PTSD Awareness Day and The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has designated June as PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD is a real problem and it affects over 14 million American adults (4.4% of the adult population) in any given year. Anyone who was a victim, witnessed or has been exposed to a life-threatening situation can get PTSD.

Even though your memories won’t go away, you can learn how to manage your response to those traumatic memories and the feelings they may bring up. So, what can you do if you or someone you care about needs help for PTSD?

1. Psychotherapy.
   Although it may seem painful to face the trauma you went through, doing so with the help of a mental health professional can help you get better. There are different types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, as well as couples counseling and family therapy.

2. Medicine.
   This can be used to treat the symptoms of PTSD. This can lower anxiety and depression and many other symptoms. Sedatives can help with sleep problems as well.

3. Support groups.
   This form of therapy, led by a mental health professional, involves groups of four to 12 people with similar issues to talk about. Talking to other survivors of trauma can be a helpful step in your recovery.

4. Self-care.
   Connect with your family and friends for support so you won’t feel alone while going through trauma. Make sure to take the time to relax, get enough rest, refrain from alcohol and drugs, keep a journal, limit caffeine intake which can trigger anxiety, as well as exercise frequently to relieve tense muscles which can improve your mood and sleep.

Whichever treatment you may choose to do, it is important to seek help if you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of PTSD. With a support system by your side, you can learn to live with the past and make a better future for you and others. Learn more about PTSD and find out where you can get support by visiting the National Center for PTSD.