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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
04/24/2024 08:25 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20170&cosponId=25606
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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: April 6, 2018 05:24 PM
From: Representative Stephen Barrar
To: All House members
Subject: Resolution - Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Day in PA
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution that would designate June 27, 2018 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Day and June 2018 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. PTSD can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of weakness. A number of factors can increase the chance that someone will develop PTSD, many of which are not under that person's control. For example, if you were directly exposed to the trauma or injured, you are more likely to develop PTSD. Here are some facts (based on the U.S. population):
  • About 7 or 8 out of every 100 people (or 7-8% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
  • About 8 million adults have PTSD during a given year. This is only a small portion of those who have gone through a trauma.
  • About 10 of every 100 women (or 10%) develop PTSD sometime in their lives compared with about 4 of every 100 men (or 4%).

    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.


Introduced as HR905