June is PTSD Awareness Month

One mental health problem plaguing over 5 million persons of all ages in the United States, young and old is P.T.S.D. or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. An estimated 8% of Americans – that's 24.4 million people – have PTSD at any given time. An estimated 1 out of 10 women develop PTSD; women are about twice as likely as men. Among people who are victims of a severe traumatic experience 60 – 80% will develop PTSD. This disorder is developed after witnessing a life-threatening event. This could be witnessing a major crime in progress, suffering any type of abuse or soldiers after military combat. 

As a child, I encountered a situation whereby I developed PTSD. Even many years later, I can be reminded of the event, which causes me to experience a lot of anxiety.  There are different types of treatment available, psychotherapy and medication. I have taken advantage of counseling and I take medication for my P.T.S.D. This treatment really helps and being around positive people really helps as well. 

Find out more about PTSD on the National Center for PTSD website

Also, if you are SSI or SSDI and would like to find out how NTI helps those with PTSD back into the workplace, register for our job placement services.

About the Author

This article was written by NTI's eMentor, Billie Lynn Holt.  Billie has been a valuable asset in guiding candidates through NTI's process from the point of registration to hiring.  She was born into a military family in Germany, enjoys traveling and learning about the world. Billie has 4 children and 1 grandchild whom she adores  She loves music, people, art, sports, and working out. Staying positive is the best advice she can give.