Raising awareness: June recognized as National PTSD Awareness Month

Around 12 million individuals have post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States which is why it is important to raise awareness of treatment and push to end the stigma during the month of June.

June is recognized as National PTSD Awareness Month and Young County Veterans Service Officer Adam LaVine said it is important to raise awareness locally due to how it impacts veterans, first responders and others.

“When you bottle those feelings and thoughts up for too long, you explode. PTSD manifests in many shapes and forms, not just for veterans who experience direct combat exposure. It impacts those affected by domestic violence, vehicle accidents, fires, robberies and more,” LaVine said. “It is important for others to know they are not alone in their struggles so that we all can empower each other to overcome the hurdles of living with PTSD.”

LaVine said his position as the county’s VSO has helped him to gain insight about PTSD both with the community and himself.

“When I first took this role, I had the same mindset as mentioned before; that I was isolated in my diagnosis–that my thoughts weren’t right. Through my service of helping others and building up the camaraderie and morale, I have learned that those thoughts are just that, a stigma,” LaVine said.

Of the veterans seen by LaVine, he estimates that 65-70% express concerns regarding mental health stemming from their service. 

“Recent VHA (Veterans Healthcare Administration) studies mark statistics with a range of 41-64% of veterans, of all age ranges, report suffering from a mental health ailment,” LaVine said. “It is estimated that 70.4% of the population will experience a significant lifetime trauma, with an average of 3.2 traumas over their lifetime.”

The VSO said he learned there is an issue with the perception of area veterans with PTSD and has worked to be an asset for those in the community. 

“I have gone through training and worked with licensed professionals to help better understand how to respond to acute mental health crises. With that knowledge, I have jumped head first and paired up with the county police departments and the sheriff’s office to help respond to all matters of mental health crises our veterans run into,” LaVine said.

The VSO and American Legion Post 34 will be hosting weekly “buddy-check” meetups during the month of June. 

The meetups will be held at 4 p.m. each Saturday at Burgers and Billiards in Graham and feature a meal and fellowship.

“These meetups act as a great space to be able to recount memories in an unapologetic way amongst great company,” LaVine said. “Veterans and family members in attendance can also use this as a stepping stone into further involvement with the community, to help them find purpose and a way to give back.”

LaVine encourages veterans and their family to contact him if they feel they are struggling.

“We have a good connection with our local Helen Farabee clinic to handle mental health in the area,” he said. “I have also worked with a few local churches to help respond to mental health situations where spirituality and faith are needed to help intervene.”

Those in a mental health crisis, can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911.

“Asking for help is not weakness. It is recognizing that your life is valuable and worth protecting,” LaVine said.