Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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June 01, 2023
WHEREAS, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder some individuals develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic 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 develop PTSD after such traumatic events, many of which are not under their control, such as experiencing an 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 U.S. 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 PTSD, including trauma-focused psychotherapies and medications when indicated. Such treatments help the individual process the traumatic experience through visualizing, talking, or using specific strategies to think about the memory, and there are effective treatments that assist with managing anxiety, strengthening coping skills, and addressing related symptoms such as depression; 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, assure there are treatments available, and continue to promote research and treatment of trauma-related disorders;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2023 as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in Michigan.