Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, causing symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Quick Facts
When is it: June 27 annually
Tagged as: Mental Health Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag: #PTSDAwarenessDay
When was it founded: 2010
Who founded it: U.S. Senate through Senate Resolution 541
History of PTSD Awareness Day
The day was established in honor of Staff Sgt. Joe Biel, a North Dakota National Guard member who died by suicide in 2007 after two tours in Iraq. Former North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad chose June 27, Biel’s birthday, as the official awareness day. In 2013, the Senate expanded the recognition to designate the entire month of June as PTSD Awareness Month.
Timeline
- 1980: PTSD officially recognized as a diagnosis in DSM
- 2010: First National PTSD Awareness Day established
- 2013: June designated as PTSD Awareness Month
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 27 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 27 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June 27 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June 27 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | June 27 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
Organizations worldwide conduct awareness campaigns, educational programs, and support events. Healthcare providers offer screenings, while mental health professionals host workshops and seminars. Communities organize walks, fundraisers, and support group meetings.
Fun Facts About PTSD
- About 12 million adults in the U.S. experience PTSD annually
- Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD
- Up to 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime
- Treatment success rates are high when properly diagnosed
Quiz
- What percentage of adults will experience PTSD in their lifetime?
(Answer: About 6-8%) - How many U.S. adults have PTSD annually?
(Answer: 12 million) - What year was PTSD officially recognized?
(Answer: 1980)
FAQs
What causes PTSD?
PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events such as combat, assault, or natural disasters.
Can PTSD be treated?
Yes, through therapy and medication
Who can develop PTSD?
Anyone who experiences trauma, regardless of age or background
How long do symptoms last?
They can last months or years, but treatment helps manage them
Can children have PTSD?
Yes, children can develop PTSD with symptoms often manifesting differently than in adults.
Is PTSD treatable?
Yes, effective treatments include therapy (like CBT) and medications.
Related
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Veterans Day
- World Mental Health Day
- National Depression Screening Day
- Suicide Prevention Day