This resolution expresses support for designating June 2025 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2025, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding PTS among service members and veterans.
Dan Sullivan
Senator
AK
This resolution expresses support for designating June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day." The goal is to raise public awareness, combat the stigma surrounding Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), and encourage timely treatment for service members and veterans. It recognizes the significant impact of combat stress and supports ongoing efforts by the DoD and VA to educate the public and improve care.
June 2025 Designated 'National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month' to Combat Stigma for Veterans
This resolution officially designates June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as a specific awareness day. Essentially, this is Congress putting a spotlight on the serious mental health challenges faced by veterans, particularly those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) from combat.
The 'Invisible Wounds' and Why We Need a Month
This isn't just a ceremonial nod; it’s a necessary move to address a huge, ongoing problem. The resolution points out that between 11 and 20 percent of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars may be struggling with chronic stress responses. For a veteran trying to transition back to civilian life—maybe working construction, or starting a new career in tech—untreated PTS can turn into debilitating PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The stakes are incredibly high, with the resolution noting the link between untreated stress and increased risks for self-harm and suicide.
Fighting the Stigma from the Top Down
The core purpose here is awareness and stigma reduction. For years, there’s been a culture in the military and the general public that treats mental health struggles as a weakness, especially when compared to a visible physical injury. This resolution supports the Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA in their efforts to change that culture, emphasizing that PTS is often a treatable injury, not a life sentence. For a veteran who might be hesitant to seek help because they fear judgment from their boss or their peers, this national recognition helps validate their experience and normalize treatment.
Acknowledging the Whole Family
Crucially, the resolution doesn’t stop with the service member. It explicitly acknowledges the profound impact PTS has on the spouses and families of active duty personnel and veterans. If you’re married to a veteran dealing with PTS, you know the stress isn't just theirs—it affects everything from family finances to daily stability. By including families in the awareness push, the resolution helps ensure that support and education efforts from the VA and DoD reach the entire household, which is critical for long-term recovery and stability.