By Bernadette Joy Graham, MA, Licensed Professional Clinical Therapist & Air Force Veteran
The Truth Contributor
National PTSD Awareness Day was created to promote awareness and understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to encourage those who suffer from this condition to get help. The month of June has also been designated PTSD Awareness Month to raise awareness that trauma does not discriminate—anyone can be a victim.
Before becoming a Licensed Therapist, I served during Desert Storm on active duty in the Air Force, and then, upon returning stateside five and a half years later, I served two years in the District of Columbia Air National Guard.
I have seen PTSD from all angles. Trauma, whether military or civilian, can be challenging; it can be challenging and lead to courage to seek help or to the corruption of one’s mind, body, and spirit. Especially when people who know and love you do not understand the episodes and symptoms. It is courageous enough to survive trauma, but even more courageous to seek help.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of mental illness that can occur after an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as military combat, community violence, child abuse, spousal abuse/domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, car accidents, natural disasters or the death of a close relative/loved one. Although many people believe that PTSD is primarily associated with military veterans, civilian trauma occurs just as frequently. Evidence-based treatments are effective, and recovery is possible.
PTSD affects each person differently. For example, some people will experience intrusive memories or nightmares. Other people will avoid people, places or situations that cause them to remember their trauma. Still, other people are extremely sensitive and always “on guard,” reacting intensely to loud noises or unusual movements. Other examples include depression, emotional numbness, anger/aggression, feelings of remorse/guilt, and a lack of trust in others.
Many individuals will experience Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), which is typically caused by chronic/repeated trauma and can lead to problems with emotional control, forming healthy relationships and feeling worthy of oneself.
Trauma triggers are highly subjective. This means that certain smells, songs, anniversaries, comments, etc., can bring back very painful memories and/or evoke a strong reaction. For example, many veterans and people who have suffered from trauma tend to be more anxious during Independence Day celebrations. Fireworks, firecrackers, cannon blasts, flashing lights/smoke/explosions can trigger thoughts of combat, gun violence, fires, etc. The effects of being reminded of past traumas can result in extreme anxiety, panic/hypervigilance, flashbacks, or an overwhelming desire to flee, even though the individual is aware that they are in a safe location.
Take a Mental Health Moment to better cope with PTSD-related challenges in your own home or within your own social circle using the following:
• Know when neighborhood fireworks are scheduled to go off so you can plan accordingly.
• Take advantage of noise-reducing headphones or earplugs and listen to calming music or white noise.
• Engage in grounding techniques by focusing on five items you can see, four items you can touch, three items you can hear, two items you can smell, and one item you can taste.
• Focus on taking slow, deep breaths in order to calm down your body’s physical response to stress.
• Spend time with family/friends who are trustworthy and understand your triggers.
• Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage/news stories related to your triggers and limit your exposure to areas/events that may exacerbate your symptoms.
• If symptoms significantly interfere with your ability to function normally in your daily activities, seek out and continue therapy sessions with a licensed mental health provider. You may also call 988 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.
Neighbors/Family Members can also provide significant support. Providing basic awareness can greatly enhance the quality of life of individuals struggling with PTSD. In addition to providing advance notice when setting off fireworks, try to be understanding if someone needs to leave an event suddenly and refrain from making judgments based upon reactions you do not fully understand. Empathy requires no cost and provides invaluable rewards.
Historically, there has been reluctance within the Black community to discuss mental illness due to both stigmatization and culturally based pressures, as well as inequitable access to treatment options. However, strength does not necessarily equate to hiding pain. True strength exists when acknowledging when we need assistance and giving permission to heal.
Although National PTSD Awareness Day was in June, the 4th of July is right around the corner. It serves as a reminder that healing begins with knowledge. Regardless of whether the trauma occurred as a result of military service, violence, abuse/discrimination/lack of opportunity loss, etc., there is no reason why we cannot work together to create a supportive environment where those impacted by trauma do not have to endure it alone. There is hope, treatment works, and recovery is possible.
Do you recognize PTSD symptoms in yourself or someone you know? Don’t wait. Seek the help of a qualified mental health professional. Healing does not require forgetting what happened; rather, healing allows us to learn how to live beyond what happened.
Through education, compassion, and support from our communities, we can transform the stigma surrounding PTSD into hope and silence into healing. Thank you to the Lucas County Veterans Service Commissioners who came to the Civility and Healing yearly forum on June 24th, a Non-Profit which allows individuals from our communities to learn about various resources for veterans, veteran’s family, dependents and widows, and many other organizations, such as the Lucas County Childrens Services, Assistant to the Toledo Mayor’s Office on crime issues in our communities and Legal information on upcoming workshops about getting your affairs in order; Wills, Estates, Power of Attorney before you may need it and not in the middle of a crisis. As well as myself sharing the importance of Mental Health on improving our communities by paying more attention and caring for our individual nervous systems, as well as the nervous systems of our communities.
You may contact the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission offices for assistance, questions, or to see if you or your veteran family members qualify for the many resources offered, regardless of time in service, how long you have been out of service, or discharge status.
Veterans Service Commission
2555 Arlington Avenue
Toledo, OH 43614
Call Us
(419) 213-6090
For appointment information or consult with Bernadette Joy Graham, you may call the Maumee office at 419 866 8232 or the Toledo office at 419 578 2525
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults.
American Psychological Association. (2023–2025).
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2024–2026). Help Raise PTSD Awareness and Trauma Reminders: Fireworks.