WHEREAS, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after a person experiences trauma including, but not limited to the stress of combat, rape, sexual assault, child abuse, bombings, accidents and natural disasters, and affects approximately 8 million adults in the United States annually; and

WHEREAS, PTSD is associated with chemical changes in the body’s hormonal system and autonomic nervous system, and is characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, avoidance, hyper vigilance, anxiety, and depression; and

WHEREAS, Between 10 and 30 percent of service members will develop PTSD within a year of leaving combat, while others may not develop symptoms until years later; and

Whereas, Over 25% of people who have had a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their lifetime, have also attempted suicide. and

WHEREAS, Children who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences are at greater risk of having seriously considered suicide, and

WHEREAS, Despite its treatability, many cases of PTSD remain undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of awareness of this condition and the persistent stigma associated with mental health conditions; and

WHEREAS, Raising awareness of this condition is necessary to remove the stigma and to encourage those suffering to seek proper and timely treatment that may save their lives; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED:

The month of June each year is designated as “PTSD Awareness Month” to bring awareness to those with PTSD and to encourage people to reach out to their fellow citizens to provide support and remove the stigma associated with this disorder.