June is PTSD Awareness Month: understanding, supporting, and finding help

Jun 21

(3-4 minute read)

The Town of Reading is recognizing PTSD Awareness Month this June, encouraging residents to learn more about post-traumatic stress disorder, its symptoms, and available treatments. Increasing awareness is a crucial step toward reducing stigma and connecting those affected with the help they need.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a highly stressful, terrifying, or life-threatening event. PTSD can affect anyone - not just veterans or first responders - and may result from events such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, or personal trauma.

Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can vary, but common experiences include:

Reliving the event: unwanted, intrusive memories or flashbacks.
Avoidance: steering clear of people, places, or situations that bring back memories of the trauma.
Negative thoughts and feelings: increased sadness, hopelessness, or difficulty feeling positive emotions.
Hyperarousal: feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or having trouble sleeping and concentrating.

Understanding these symptoms is key to recognizing when you or someone you care about may need support.

Effective treatments are available

The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Both trauma-focused psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication have been proven effective. Many people find the best outcomes when combining both approaches.

Common therapies include:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

If you or someone you know may be struggling with PTSD, reaching out for professional help is an important first step.

A personal note from the author

As someone who lives with PTSD, I want to emphasize that you are not alone. PTSD can feel isolating, overwhelming, and sometimes impossible to explain to others. I’ve been through the dark moments, the triggers, and the difficult process of finding the right support. Seeking help was one of the hardest, but best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s a journey, but healing is possible.

Bringing attention to PTSD Awareness Month isn’t just about sharing facts - it’s about making space for real stories, real people, and real hope. If you’re struggling, please know that there is help available and that your story matters.

Local resources in Reading

Reading residents have access to the INTERFACE Helpline, a service provided through William James College. The helpline offers personalized, matched referrals to local outpatient mental health resources.

Call 1-888-244-6843

Visit Interface.WilliamJames.edu

Residents are also encouraged to take a self-screening for PTSD.