Here at YellowWebMonkey, we believe in building strong foundations – not just for websites, but for communities. And sometimes, strengthening our communities means shining a light on topics that might be challenging but are incredibly important. That’s why, as National PTSD Awareness Day approaches on June 27th, we want to take a moment to acknowledge its significance and encourage understanding.
What is PTSD? It’s More Common Than You Think.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. While it’s widely recognized among military veterans (and rightly so, given their unique exposures), PTSD is slightly more common among Veterans than civilians. Trauma, however, can impact anyone, profoundly affecting lives whether it stems from serious accidents, natural disasters, personal assaults, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
The symptoms can be wide-ranging and deeply impactful, including:
Intrusive thoughts: Flashbacks, nightmares, or upsetting memories.
Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that bring back memories of the trauma.
Negative changes in thinking and mood: Feelings of detachment, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, or negative beliefs about oneself or the world.
Changes in arousal and reactivity: Being easily startled, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or trouble concentrating.
Why Does This Matter to Businesses?
You might be thinking, “What does PTSD have to do with web design and digital marketing?” The answer is, quite a lot. Our clients, their employees, and their customers are all part of the broader community. A healthy, supportive community benefits everyone, including businesses.
At YellowWebMonkey, we hold deep respect for our military members and veterans. We understand the unique sacrifices they make, and it’s essential for us to contribute to an environment where their challenges, including PTSD, are met with understanding, not judgment. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in military culture, can unfortunately prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. This is a barrier we’re committed to helping dismantle.
Understanding PTSD and promoting awareness can:
Foster Empathy and Support: Encourage a more compassionate and supportive environment within your workplace and with your customers. For those who have served, this means recognizing their experiences and creating a safe space for dialogue.
Reduce Stigma: Help break down the barriers that prevent individuals, especially our brave service members and veterans, from seeking the help they need. Showing that a company values and supports mental well-being sends a powerful message.
Boost Employee Well-being: Acknowledging the challenges some employees may face can lead to a more inclusive and productive work environment. For small and medium-sized businesses, the mental well-being of every team member directly impacts the whole.
Build a Better World: Ultimately, more understanding leads to a kinder, more supportive society where everyone, including our military community, feels empowered to thrive.
How Can YellowWebMonkey Clients & Friends Help?
Even small actions can make a big difference. Here are a few ways you, as a business owner or an individual, can observe National PTSD Awareness Day:
Educate Yourself and Your Team: Learn more about PTSD. Share resources like those from the National Center for PTSD or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, especially for those who have served.
Promote Open Conversation: Encourage a workplace culture where mental health is discussed openly and without judgment. This might involve sharing mental health resources or simply being available to listen, particularly to colleagues or clients who are veterans.
Model Respectful Interaction: Teach young people that asking intrusive questions about combat, especially about killing, can be hurtful. Instead, show them that the most powerful and respectful thing they can do is offer a simple and sincere, “Thank you for your service.” This acknowledges their sacrifice without demanding they share painful memories.
Be Mindful of Language: Use respectful and inclusive language when discussing mental health. Challenge stereotypes and misinformation.
Share on Social Media: Use hashtags like #PTSDAwarenessDay or #MentalHealthMatters to help spread the word and reduce stigma.
Support Mental Health Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to PTSD research, treatment, and support, especially those focused on veterans’ mental health.
At YellowWebMonkey, we’re dedicated to helping your business thrive online. But we also believe in contributing to a thriving society. By raising awareness about PTSD, and specifically by championing the breaking of stigma for our military members and veterans, we can help ensure that those who are silently struggling know they are not alone and that help is available.
Let’s use June 27th as a reminder to extend empathy, understanding, and unwavering support to everyone in our community, especially those who have worn the uniform.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, please reach out for help. Resources are available through organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov), the National Center for PTSD (PTSD.VA.gov), and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org).
