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June 2022: PTSD Awareness Month
June 01, 2022
WHEREAS, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem some individuals develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatizing event, such as combat, extreme interpersonal violence, natural disaster, car accident, or sexual assault; and,
WHEREAS, a number of factors increase the chance that an individual will have PTSD, many of which are not under their control, such as experiencing a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event, in addition to personal factors such as age and gender; and,
WHEREAS, if symptoms including intrusive memories, feeling on edge, or having trouble sleeping last more than a few months, there is a chance that it may be PTSD. Some individuals also try to avoid things that remind them of the trauma, even if it was something they enjoyed prior to the event; and,
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, approximately eight out of every 100 people in the United States will have PTSD at some point in their lives, and about ten of every 100 women develop PTSD sometime in their lives compared to about 4 of every 100 men; and,
WHEREAS, there are treatments available for children, adolescents, and adults for PTSD, including trauma-focused psychotherapies and medications when indicated. Such treatments help the individual process the traumatic experience at times through visualizing, talking, or thinking about the traumatic memory as well as through management of anxiety, coping challenges, and related symptoms; and,
WHEREAS, the purpose of this month is to bring public awareness for PTSD and its symptoms, provide support to individuals with PTSD and their families and assure there are treatments available, and to continue to promote research and treatment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in Michigan.