Honoring Service During National PTSD Awareness Month

Every June, the United States observes National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month—a time to recognize the men and women who return from service with memories and invisible wounds that cannot heal on their own.

The transition from military to civilian life represents far more than a career change; it's a fundamental shift in how one navigates the world. Home is a place that offers comfort and safety. But, for many service members and veterans, "home" feels like a foreign territory, where family and friends seem like strangers and routine life is anything but normal.

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The Reality of Military PTSD: By the Numbers
The statistics surrounding PTSD in the military community paint a sobering picture. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, of the 5.8 million veterans who received VA care in 2024, approximately 14% of male veterans and 24% of female veterans were diagnosed with PTSD. These figures are more than numbers—they represent hundreds of thousands of individuals struggling with the lasting effects of their service.

Research indicates that PTSD prevalence varies significantly depending on the era and nature of military service. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that the estimated incidence of PTSD among veterans ranged from as low as 1.09% to as high as 34.84%, depending on the population and period studied. Among active-duty military personnel, studies show an overall incidence rate of 3.84 cases per 1000 person-years for physician-diagnosed PTSD.

The Unique Nature of Military Trauma
Military service exposes individuals to trauma that is often prolonged, repeated, and intense. Unlike single-incident trauma, service members may experience multiple episodes during deployments, leading to complex psychological wounds. Combat exposure, witnessing the death or injury of fellow service members, and surviving mortar attacks or improvised explosive device blasts all contribute to the development of PTSD.

The military culture itself can complicate the recognition and treatment of PTSD. The emphasis on mental toughness, unit cohesion, and mission success can create barriers to seeking help. Many service members worry that acknowledging psychological struggles might be perceived as weakness – or worse, as a liability to their careers or security clearances.

Additionally, the transition from military to civilian life presents unique challenges. Veterans must navigate a world that operates very differently from the structured, mission-focused environment of the military. The loss of identity, difficulty finding purpose, and the struggles to connect with civilians who haven't shared similar experiences can exacerbate PTSD symptoms.

Recognizing the Signs
PTSD looks different for everyone, but common symptoms in veterans include intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. Many can experience hypervigilance, which served them well in combat zones, but becomes mentally exhausting in everyday life.

Sleep disturbances are particularly prevalent. The same hyperarousal that once protected them can make it difficult to achieve the deep, restorative sleep necessary for mental and physical health. This sleep deprivation can create a vicious cycle, making other PTSD symptoms more severe and difficult to manage.

Avoidance behaviors are another hallmark of military PTSD. Veterans may avoid crowded places that feel tactically risky, refuse to drive certain routes reminiscent of convoys, or isolate themselves from family and friends to avoid emotional vulnerability. While these behaviors might provide temporary relief from anxiety, they often lead to increased isolation and can strain relationships with loved ones.

The Ripple Effect on Military Families
PTSD doesn't only affect the individual—it impacts the entire family. Spouses and children of veterans with PTSD often experience secondary trauma, facing the emotional fallout of living with someone who may be withdrawn, irritable, or unpredictable. A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that spouses may feel emotionally distant and repeatedly rejected, lowering their resilience and increasing the risk of personal and relationship challenges. Military children may not understand why their parent seems “different” after deployment, which can lead to confusion, behavioral problems, and their own emotional difficulties.

The divorce rate among military couples is higher than the civilian population, and PTSD can be a contributing factor. The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS) found veterans with PTSD were twice as likely to get divorced, three times more likely to experience multiple divorces, and tended to have shorter relationships overall.  Communication difficulties, emotional numbing, and the struggle to readjust to family life can create strain even the strongest partnerships.

Effective support must include the entire family system. Many modern PTSD treatment programs incorporate family therapy components and support groups for military spouses and children, recognizing that healing is a shared journey.

Breaking Down Barriers to Treatment
Even though effective treatments exist, many veterans face significant barriers to seeking help. Stigma remains a primary obstacle, with many veterans fearing that seeking mental health treatment will be seen as a sign of weakness or could negatively impact their careers. This is particularly challenging for active-duty service members who worry about the potential impact on promotions, assignments, or security clearances.

Access to care is another challenge, especially for veterans in rural areas far from VA facilities. Long wait times, complex paperwork, and navigating the VA system can feel overwhelming, especially for those already struggling with PTSD symptoms. Some veterans also express concern that civilian providers may not fully understand military culture and experiences.

Financial barriers add to the problem. Veterans with pending claims or who don't qualify for full VA benefits may struggle to afford private therapy, medications, or time off work, especially if they are already experiencing financial strain.

Building Support Networks
Healing from PTSD rarely happens alone. Strong support networks, including family, friends, fellow friends, and mental health professionals, can make a world of difference. Peer support programs, where veterans connect with others who have walked similar paths, can be particularly powerful.

Military and veteran organizations, faith communities, and local support organizations play a vital role in providing these support networks. Many veterans find purpose and healing by serving others, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or sharing their stories to help reduce stigma around mental health.

These connections can combat the isolation that often accompanies PTSD and offer practical strategies for managing symptoms and building resilience.

The Path Forward
As we observe National PTSD Awareness Month, we must remember that awareness without action is not enough. The statistics and stories shared here reflect real people - our neighbors, colleagues, family members—who have sacrificed for our country and continue to fight battles most of us will never see.

Let this month be a call to action. We must continue advocating for better access to mental health care, breaking down the stigma, and ensuring those who serve receive the support they need – and deserve – long after their service ends.