June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising understanding about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and honoring the resilience of those who live with it. While PTSD is often associated with combat veterans, it affects people from all walks of life—survivors of abuse, accidents, natural disasters, incidents of mass violence, and other traumatic events. This month is about more than just awareness. It’s about breaking the silence, shattering stigma, and most importantly, shining a light on the path to healing.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can cause flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and self-esteem.
What’s important to know is that PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and it’s not something you can just “get over.” It’s a real and treatable condition.
The Power of Hope
Hope is a quiet, persistent force. For someone living with PTSD, hope can look like getting out of bed on a hard day, reaching out for help, or simply believing that healing is possible—even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
With support, treatment, and time, many people with PTSD can find relief from symptoms and rediscover a sense of peace and purpose. Therapy, medication, mindfulness, support groups, and creative expression are just some of the tools people use to navigate their healing journey.
Why PTSD Awareness Month Matters
- It reduces stigma. Talking openly about PTSD helps replace myths and misunderstandings with compassion and knowledge.
- It encourages early intervention. The sooner someone seeks help, the better their chances of managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
- It builds community. No one should have to walk the path of healing alone. Awareness fosters connection and support.
A Message to Survivors
If you’re living with PTSD, please know: you are not alone. There is no timeline for healing, and there is no shame in struggling. What you’ve been through matters—and so does your future. Your strength may not always feel like strength, but the courage to keep going, to reach for help, to believe in something better—that is resilience in its purest form. Our Service Navigators with the United for Waukesha Resiliency Center would love to connect you with support groups, therapy, or other resources. We can be reached by phone, or you can complete an interest form on our website. (262) 202-9711 https://unitedwaukesha.org
View our PTSD Education Toolkit HERE!