Military & Veterans News

Vet News: VA Starts Campaign to Raise PTSD Awareness

VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

WASHINGTON –  In observance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness month, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD invites the public to participate in its "Take the Step" campaign.

"Every day of the year, we should focus on assisting those who have served our Nation," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  "In June, during PTSD awareness month, we take special care to help Veterans with PTSD.  va is a leader in providing state-of-the-art, high-quality mental health care that improves and saves Veterans' lives.  PTSD treatment can help and there is hope for recovery for Veterans who need mental health services."

Throughout the month, online at www.PTSD.va.gov, the campaign has highlighted different topics so visitors can "Take the Step" to:  know more about PTSD; challenge their beliefs; explore the treatment options available; and reach out to make a difference.

VA provides effective PTSD treatment for Veterans and conducts extensive research on PTSD, including prevention of stress disorders.  Veterans are encouraged to use VA's PTSD resources so they are able to recognize symptoms and seek help if the need arises. VA also encourages Veterans to share what they learn with someone they know to build awareness and support systems.

Following exposure to trauma, most people experience stress reactions but many do not develop PTSD.   Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not.  However, if stress reactions do not improve over time and they disrupt everyday life, VA encourages Veterans to seek help to determine if PTSD may be a factor.

"Many barriers keep people with PTSD from seeking the help they need," said Dr. Matthew Friedman, Executive Director of VA's National Center for PTSD. "Knowledge and awareness, however, are key to overcoming these barriers.  For those living with PTSD, knowing there are treatments that work, for example, can lead them to seek needed care. Greater public awareness of PTSD can help reduce the stigma of this mental health problem and overcome negative stereotypes that may keep many people from pursuing treatment."

PTSD Awareness Month Highlights:

  • The purpose of PTSD Awareness Month is to raise public awareness of PTSD and its effective treatments so that everyone can help people affected by PTSD.
  • Throughout June explore weekly features at  www.ptsd.va.gov.
  • "Ten Steps to Raise PTSD Awareness" provides links to materials that foster greater understanding of trauma, PTSD and treatment. It offers practical suggestions for the public to raise PTSD awareness in their own community.
  • For continued involvement, please sign up for the PTSD Monthly Update. Stay up on new information about PTSD and trauma year round.


On June 3, VA announced it had hired a total of 1,607 mental health clinical providers to meet the goal of 1,600 new mental health professionals outlined in the President's Aug. 31, 2012, Executive Order. Additionally, VA had hired 2,005 mental health clinical providers to fill existing vacancies, as well as 318 new peer specialists towards the specific goal of 800 peer specialists by Dec. 31, 2013 as outlined in the Executive Order.

Throughout the summer, VA will hold mental health summits at each of its 152 medical centers across the nation to establish and enhance positive working relationships with their community partners. The summits will help encourage community engagement in order to better address and understand the broad mental health care needs of veterans and their families.

For more information about PTSD, professionals and the public can go to The National Center for PTSD Web site at www.ptsd.va.gov. The site offers resources such as:

  • PTSD Coach mobile app, this award-winning app provides symptom-management strategies and it's always with you when you need it.
  • Continuing education opportunities for providers, including PTSD 101 courses, on the best practices in PTSD treatment (CEs/CMEs offered).
  • AboutFace: An online video gallery of Veterans talking about PTSD and how treatment can turn your life around.


#   #   #

Blog Tags:
Military & Veterans News

From Our Member Community

Scott Higgins WeSalute Awards 25 Years Later: Honoring the Bravery, Sacrifice, and Enduring Legacy of 9/11 Leaders and Veterans Twenty-five years ago today, our nation was irrevocably changed. The morning of September 11, 2001, stands as one of the darkest days in American history, testing our resolve, our unity, and our spirit. Yet amid the unfathomable tragedy at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, ordinary men and women—first responders, service members, and everyday citizens—demonstrated extraordinary bravery.
Paraplegic soldier talks with female therapist Discounts & Benefits Understanding Your VA Disability Compensation Benefits and How to File in 2026 Navigating military transition or managing long-term service-connected injuries can feel overwhelming, but securing the benefits you earned should never be a mystery. VA Disability Compensation provides monthly, tax-free financial support to Veterans who became sick or injured while serving in the military, or whose existing conditions were worsened by active service. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about eligibility, current pay adjustments, the PACT Act, and the step-by-step process to file a successful claim.
Scott Higgins Discounts & Benefits Real Savings. No Hassle: How WeSalute Can Boost Your Budget Annually As any active-duty service member, veteran, first responder, nurse, or medical professional will attest, every dollar saved matters. At WeSalute, we are dedicated to ensuring you and your family get the most out of the benefits you deserve. Our mission is to provide "A Real Thank You" that translates into tangible financial savings in your everyday life. You might be surprised just how much those savings can add up over a year.
colorful foliage Discounts & Benefits WeSalute Review: The Official 2026 Fall Foliage Travel Guide for Military, First Responder & Healthcare Families As the warmth of summer gives way to the crisp air of autumn and the holiday season still feels a comfortable distance away, a unique travel window opens. For those seeking a special getaway, autumn is prime time for leaf-peeping, harvest festivals, and scenic drives. Created for our entire community — including active duty military, veterans, first responders, nurses, and medical professionals — this official 2026 travel guide highlights top fall foliage destinations across the U.S., showing you how to maximize your savings using the all-new WeSalute Travel, premium hotel discounts, rental car perks, and specialized transportation benefits.

Join Our Community.
 

Yes, Get Me Started

Already a member? Login now.