June is National PTSD Awareness Month

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- One in three returning troops are being diagnosed with serious Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); less than 40% will seek help. On average, five active-duty troops attempt suicide each day.

In recognition of June as National PTSD Awareness Month and June 27^th as National PTSD Awareness Day, Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) is sharing helpful information about PTSD on its social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter, as well as its website.

"All Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority service providers are trained in trauma screening, assessment, and best-practice treatments," explains OCCMHA Executive Director, Jeffrey L. Brown. "The goal is to cultivate a safe, trauma-informed system of care that benefits Oakland County residents."

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that develops after a person sees or experiences an event that caused serious trauma or death. In addition to American troops, it can impact children who have been abused, as well as survivors of domestic violence and natural disasters.  PTSD may result in chronic sleep problems, irritability, anger, and recurrent dreams about the event.

In order to support family members who suspect a loved one is suffering from PTSD, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed these helpful suggestions:

• Learn as much as you can about PTSD. Knowing how PTSD affects people may help you understand what your family member is going through.
• Offer to accompany family members on doctor visits. You can help keep track of medicine and therapy, and be there for support.
• Tell your loved one you want to listen.
• Plan family activities together, like having dinner or going to a movie.
• Encourage contact with family and close friends. A support system will help your family member get through stressful times.

Treatment options for PTSD may include different forms of therapy, counseling, and medication. VA counselors can be reached by calling (800) 273-8255 (press "1") or visiting www.ptsd.va.gov. Oakland County residents can visit www.occmha.org or contact the Resource & Crisis Helpline at (800) 231-1127 as well.

OCCMHA is the public mental health system that oversees services and supports to approximately 22,000 Oakland County residents, including adults and children with developmental disabilities, adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, and children with serious emotional disturbance.

OCCMHA's service provider network includes: Common Ground, Community Housing Network, Community Living Services, Community Network Services, Easter Seals Michigan, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatment Innovations.

SOURCE Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority