Raise Your Awareness Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Commentary From A VA Doctor

Matthew J. Friedman | syracuse.com | June 27, 2013

There's a saying that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. This is especially true of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is in the headlines now more than ever before. However well intended, sometimes news stories paint an incomplete picture of PTSD and even contribute to misunderstanding and stereotypes. This is why it is critically important to raise awareness of what we really know about PTSD.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. The National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, continually promotes public awareness and understanding of PTSD. We ask everyone else to join our efforts.

Our campaign theme this year is "Take the Step," and we want everyone to take the step during PTSD Awareness Month (and beyond) to challenge their beliefs about PTSD and make sure those beliefs are supported by research.