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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 6, 2017 12:01 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution Designating the Month of June 2017 as “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution that would designate the month of June 2017 as “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes war veterans, children, and people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or many other serious events. According to the National Center for PTSD , about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Since PTSD can happen to anyone, it is of the utmost importance that the public be educated on PTSD and made aware that having PTSD is not a sign of weakness on the part of an individual. Factors beyond a person’s control may increase the likelihood and severity of PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, the following are the four main types of symptoms of PTSD: 1) reliving the traumatic event, also known as re-experiencing symptoms, 2) avoiding situations that may remind an individual of the event, 3) having increased negative beliefs and feelings, and 4) feeling “keyed up,” also called hyper-arousal, during which time a person experiences a period of heightened alertness and is on the lookout for danger. Common side effects of PTSD include: trouble concentrating and sleeping, sudden sensations of anger and irritability, being startled easily, and “acting out” in an unhealthy and reckless manner, such as through smoking, drug and alcohol use, or reckless driving. Although the road to recovery for PTSD may be difficult, there are many treatment options available to help those struggling with this disorder. The effects of PTSD on an individual may also affect their family and friends. Therefore, it is important that the public learn about PTSD to understand why it occurs, how it is treated, and what can be done to help a loved one who is experiencing PTSD. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. |