WASHINGTON – As we end PTSD Awareness Month, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) is encouraging Delawareans to take part in this month’s campaign by the Department of Veterans Affairs to “Take the Step” to learn more about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The campaign, organized in conjunction with PTSD month this June, is chronicled at www.PTSD.va.gov.  At that site, the Department of Veterans Affairs has highlighted different topics within the scope of PTSD so that readers can gain more knowledge of the disorder, challenge their pre-existing beliefs, and discover the different treatment options available.  

“Our men and women in uniform sacrifice so much for this country, and all of us – their family, friends, and neighbors – have a responsibility to educate ourselves and do everything we can to support veterans’ needs when they return home,” said Sen. Carper. “As a veteran, I’ve always been particularly troubled by the rate of this disorder among my fellow servicemen and women. We’re making progress, but I hope continued outreach, including the ‘Take the Step’ campaign, will help our country move towards a more robust understanding of PTSD and other trauma that plagues far too many of our heroes when they return home.”

While not all people experience PTSD as a result of trauma, most experience some form of a stress reaction. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides PTSD treatment for veterans and encourages veterans to use its PTSD resources so they can recognize symptoms and seek help if the need arises.

More information about this campaign and resources for veterans can be found at www.PTSD.va.gov.