Scott's View: National PTSD Awareness Day is This Sunday

Sunday is National PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) awareness day. It’s a day for us to recognize and acknowledge the hidden injuries that impact the lives of an estimated 8 million Americans. Within the military and veteran community, it is a reminder to recognize the unique challenges of post-traumatic stress and to spread the word that there are therapies that work to address them.

It is estimated that we lose one veteran every 65 minutes to PTSD. In recent years, it's estimated that over 20 percent of veterans returning from Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD. This epidemic continues to grow and severely impacts veterans, their families, and communities across the United States. Unfortunately, most do not seek the help they need and suffer in silence.

Over the years, WeSalute (and formerly Veterans Advantage) has supported many groups and veterans working to bring a healthy quality of life to those who suffer from post-traumatic stress and their family members, who are also deeply affected. With the support of our members, we recognize our service-disabled veterans, those suffering from PTSD and other disabilities with free membership to WeSalute+ and the WeSalute+ ID Card to enhance the quality of their lives.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Here's where you can learn more and get help if you think you are one of those who suffer the silent injuries of military service or know someone who needs help, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.