june is ptsd awareness month

Consider this: A serious car accident leaves two people with similar injuries. Afterward, both have nightmares of car crashes, and they avoid driving. After a couple of weeks, one of them is no longer afraid of driving, and the nightmares lessen. They’re able to return to their life before the accident.

The other person, though, can’t seem to get over the crash. They still wake up in the middle of the night after dreaming of collisions, they haven’t driven in more than a month, and they avoid going near the accident site or even talking about what happened.

We all respond to trauma differently. While it’s normal to have upsetting thoughts or problems sleeping after a traumatic event, many people often feel better within a few weeks. But, if symptoms don’t improve after a month and they’re severe enough to impair their daily life, they could have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is PTSD?
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, which includes combat, abuse, and natural disasters. Symptoms are grouped into four categories: intrusion, avoidance, changes in cognition and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity. Some of the most common symptoms include flashbacks, where the traumatic event feels like it’s happening in the present, being irritable or jumpy, panic attacks, and avoiding reminders of the event.

“PTSD is a whole-body response to overwhelming stress,” says Andrea Plasko, a licensed therapist and social worker in Honolulu. “It can have a deep and lasting impact on a person’s emotional, physical, and relational well-being, and interfere with work, relationships, sleep, and the ability to feel safe or connected.”

The mental health condition is sometimes called a “silent disorder” because so many people struggle in secret, often out of fear of judgment or internalized shame. That’s why June is PTSD Awareness Month – a time to spark conversation, share information on effective treatments, and create supportive spaces.

“When we talk openly about trauma and mental health, we make space for healing. Awareness normalizes the experience and reminds people they’re not alone,” says Plasko. “It opens the door for individuals to seek help without shame and encourages communities to become safer, more understanding spaces for recovery.”

How is PTSD treated?
Therapy is generally regarded as the first line of treatment for PTSD. Talking with a therapist can help people reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and sense of self and safety.

“Processing trauma means gently unpacking and making sense of what happened in a way that feels safe and supported,” says Plasko. “It often involves working through the emotions, beliefs, and physical reactions tied to the trauma and integrating those experiences so they no longer hold the same power over one’s life.”

Evidence-based treatments that help people recover from PTSD include:

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive processing therapy
• Somatic experiencing

“These approaches help rewire how the brain and body respond to traumatic memories, reduce avoidance, and build resilience,” says Plasko. “Therapy can be a powerful part of the healing journey – providing the space, structure, and support needed to face the past and shape a new path forward.”

Sometimes, though, therapy alone isn’t effective. In those cases, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms so that people are better able to confront and process their trauma.

Road to recovery
PTSD isn’t always something that just goes away, but healing is absolutely possible. Many people find that with the right support, they can manage their symptoms and feel empowered in their lives again.

“Thriving after trauma means reclaiming your story, reconnecting with yourself, and building a life rooted in meaning and choice,” says Plasko. “With time, support, and the right tools, it’s possible not only to survive trauma but to emerge stronger and more whole.”

If you’re struggling, please know that help is out there. Find a therapist if your symptoms aren’t improving. Use the Find a Doctor tool on the top right-hand corner of hmsa.com to see which local therapists are accepting new patients. If you’re in crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.  

Healing is hard, but it’s worth it. 

Mental health matters
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Here are some stories focusing on mental health:

a step-by-step guide to help you find a therapist
It’s not easy to ask for help with mental health. And once you make the decision to do so, finding a therapist can be challenging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your mental health journey.

good friends for better health
Spending time with friends makes you happier and can even help you live longer! Follow these tips to strengthen your friendships.

mental wellness month
Learn how to improve your mental wellness, which is considered the foundation of overall health.

island scene self-care tips
From spending time at the beach to creating café life at home, Team HMSA shares their favorite ways to practice self-care.