PTSD Awareness Day: Awareness of PTSD is life-saving

The recent Ahmedabad plane crash was a deadly, traumatic experience for the survivors as well as for the viewers of the news. On June 28th, the death toll was announced as 260, including the passengers and the people present in the hostel of the medical college at that time. For the survivors of the crash, immediate medical support, crisis management, and grief counseling were provided. Why?

In traumatic cases such as this plane crash, individuals are likely to develop a serious mental health disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD can be found in not just the survivors of the crash (in this case), but can also be developed by the fire fighters, police officers, journalists, or any individual who witnessed the destruction at the crash site as well as the viewers who heard and saw the severity of the accident through the television. 

The National Alliance on Mental Health reported in 2024 that nearly 9 million Americans are affected by PTSD. The WHO in 2024 reported that approximately 4% of the global population had PTSD at some point in their lives, and out of the individuals exposed to traumatic events, about 5.6% develop PTSD. Further research has suggested that approximately 13 million people worldwide develop PTSD every year. These shocking numbers reveal that PTSD is a prevalent mental health concern in today’s world. But do we know what PTSD is?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly called PTSD, is a serious mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Often, PTSD is associated with military veterans. While it is true that they’re at an increased risk of PTSD, this disorder is not limited to just military veterans. PTSD can affect any individual who has endured trauma, including survivors of abuse, accidents, natural disasters, war, or violence. This disorder can severely impair the daily functioning of the individual. Malayalam movies like Ulladakkam(1991) and Thalavattam(1986) have depicted PTSD, although not accurately, but to some extent, the severe impacts of witnessing traumatic events. 

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of this disorder often vary in intensity and duration. They may appear soon after a traumatic event or appear after months or even years. PTSD symptoms are classified into four main categories:

1. Re-Experiencing Traumatic Experience

• Flashbacks- The traumatic event happens all over again, and individuals are unable to differentiate it as unreal. The flashbacks feel like they’re living through the traumatic event again.  

• Nightmares- A common symptom, which often disrupts sleep, is nightmares or disturbing dreams related to trauma.

• Intrusive Thoughts- They see unwanted images or remember disturbing details, and often these are involuntary.

• Physical Symptoms- Shivering, sweating, headaches, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or nausea when reminded of the trauma.

2. Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding Reminders- These individuals stay away from people, places, activities, or objects that bring back memories of the trauma.

• Suppression- They suppress thoughts. They avoid or stop thinking or talking about details related to the traumatic event.

• Emotional Numbness- They feel emotionally numb and lose interest in individuals as well as activities, once enjoyed.

3. Negative Changes 

• Negative Beliefs- They develop negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world.

• Distorted Blame- They are likely to blame themselves or others for the trauma that occurred, even if they weren’t responsible for the trauma. 

• Emotional Problems- Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, anger, shame, or horror.

• Memory Issues- They are unable to recall important details related to the traumatic event.

• Social Withdrawal and Loss of Interest- They isolate themselves from friends and family and avoid attending social events. They also lose interest in activities that they enjoy. 

• Lack of Positive Emotions- They find it extremely hard to feel positive and happy. They experience emotional numbness, leaving them feeling unsatisfied and unhappy.  

• Reduced Productivity- Individuals who have PTSD demonstrate reduced productivity at work, school, in relationships, and daily life. 

4. Arousal Symptoms

• Hypervigilance- Always on their toes. They are easily startled or always on guard for danger.

• Increased Irritability- Extreme irritability, annoyance, or aggressive behavior.

• Self-Destructive Behavior- Engages in self-harm, risky activities like reckless driving or substance abuse.

• Sleep Disturbances- They have trouble falling or staying asleep, developing conditions like insomnia. 

• Lack of focus- They have difficulty concentrating on tasks or making decisions.

PTSD can also co-occur with other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and more. In certain cases, they have dissociative experiences such as feeling detached from reality, as if watching oneself from outside the body. PTSD is found to be diagnosed more in adults aged 25–35 years, but individuals of any age group can develop this condition. In children, PTSD can manifest as nightmares, aggressive behavior, withdrawal, reduced academic performance, and so on. In some cases, they re-enact the trauma through play or drawings. 

Causes of PTSD

• Serious accidents like car crashes, train wrecks, plane crashes, or other life-threatening incidents

• Physical or sexual assault like rape, domestic abuse, childhood abuse

• Forms of abuse (physical, emotional, etc.) and bullying

• Exposure to traumatic events at work (healthcare sector)

• Serious health problems like terminal or chronic illnesses, or traumatic childbirth

• Sudden death of a loved one

• Witnessing or being victims of war and violence

• Natural disasters

Not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD. There are certain risk factors involved, such as:

• History of Mental Illness- Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or other issues run in the family. 

• Lack of social support- Those who have limited support from family or friends are at higher risk of developing PTSD post-trauma. 

• Genetics- Certain personality traits and genetic factors increase the susceptibility of individuals.

• Severity and duration of trauma- Extremely severe or long-term trauma increases the risk.

• Childhood trauma- Early life trauma or repeated trauma from childhood increases the risk of developing PTSD. 

• Increased adrenaline levels- It has been observed that high levels of stress hormones are produced by Individuals suffering from PTSD, even when not in danger, leading to worsening of the condition. 

• Brain changes- The hippocampus is the part of the brain involved in memory and emotion. Studies have shown that there are variations in the structure of the hippocampus of individuals with PTSD. It may be smaller or functionally impact the processing of traumatic memories.

Treatment of PTSD

With appropriate intervention, PTSD is treatable, and individuals can live better lives. Treatment is usually a combination of psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure therapy, group therapy, support groups, and, in some cases, medications such as antidepressants. 

PTSD Awareness Month

The month of June is celebrated as PTSD Awareness Month to educate individuals on this disorder, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. This awareness is also aimed at supporting those living with this condition and to help them live a better tomorrow. 

It was in the United States, back in 2010, where PTSD Awareness Day was established. The initiative led by Senator Kent Conrad was to commemorate the memory of Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, a North Dakota National Guard member who died by suicide after struggling with PTSD. Biel’s birthday, June 27, was chosen as the official day to raise awareness about PTSD (PTSD Awareness Day). In 2013, the U.S. Senate designated the entire month of June as PTSD Awareness Month. 

The theme of 2025 PTSD Awareness Day is Not all wounds are visible. Koott is determined to heal these wounds. We, at Koott, offer support and care for all those living with traumatic wounds. Your wounds are not invisible to us. With the right help, through online counselling in Malayalam, we promise you a better, healthier tomorrow.

Book your session today. 

FAQs

1. Is PTSD curable?

A. PTSD is treatable with the right interventions, which include therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

2. Does lifestyle change play an important role in PTSD treatment?

A. Lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition, physical exercise, healthy sleep habits, meditation, and mindfulness practices can promote healing and support recovery. 

3. What is the need to celebrate PTSD Awareness Day/Month?

A. PTSD Awareness Day/ Month is aimed at psycho-educating the public on this prevalent mental health condition. Through campaigns, programs, and advocacy, the public is educated about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition. This day is also celebrated to support and help Individuals living with this condition. 

4. Can early intervention help in PTSD recovery?

A. Yes, immediate mental health intervention and social support after a traumatic event can help prevent the individual from developing chronic PTSD.