Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition triggered by a traumatic event that impacts millions of Americans annually. It could be caused by experiencing or witnessing a distressing incident such as an accident, assault, natural disaster, or combat. What follows could be devastating to the sufferers and their families.
For PTSD Awareness Day on June 27th, join the disability attorneys at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll in raising awareness of this potentially life-altering disease and helping sufferers gain access to the vital treatment and resources they deserve.
The Timeline of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In 50 B.C., Hippocrates described the trauma of battle and flashbacks of combat, reminiscent of PTSD symptoms, in one of the first known pieces of literature on the disorder.
In 1915, the term “shell shock” was introduced during World War I to describe the symptoms of those struggling with mental health after combat.
In 1974,Psychologist Ann Wolbert Burgess and sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom described “Rape Trauma Disorder” as a variant of PTSD.
In 1980, although the condition had been medically acknowledged for centuries, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder finally appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM).
National PTSD Awareness Day was first designated on June 27th, 2010, in the United States after the Senate’s formal acknowledgment.
What You Can Do to Observe PTSD Awareness Day
- Educate yourself on the symptoms of PTSD including the signs and symptoms and how they can manifest. Then, familiarize yourself with the resources and types of treatments that could help someone who is struggling. Then, take the pledge to raise PTSD awareness on the National Center for PTSD’s website.
- Donate. Most PTSD cases in the United States are affiliated with the military. Combat can trigger severe post-traumatic stress and leave many veterans needing help. The Wounded Warrior Project, Military with PTSD, and Military OneSource are all organizations that provide much-needed assistance to struggling veterans.
- Spread the word. One of the primary purposes of PTSD Awareness Day is to spread the word about the cause to others. Social media, blog posting, and writing to your governor to officially declare June as PTSD Awareness Month are effective ways of raising awareness of this potentially deadly illness.
PTSD and Social Security Disability
PTSD can affect people not only mentally and emotionally but also physically, with the symptoms sometimes so debilitating that it prevents sufferers from being able to support themselves. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration acknowledges PTSD as a disability, and those struggling could be eligible for life-saving benefits.
However, to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) among other benefits, you must provide proper medical documentation of your illness and approach the application process extremely carefully. Since 70% of initial SSD claims are denied, you must have steadfast legal representation in your corner to guide you through the SSD application, appeals, and everything in between. That’s where the Social Security Disability attorneys at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll step in.
Your Disability Case Matters. Contact Kerr Robichaux & Carroll Today.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, you do not have to suffer in silence. The attorneys at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll are dedicated to providing help and restoring hope for clients and their families now and for the long term. Our skilled legal team will stop at nothing to ensure that your case is heard and your needs are met. Nothing less.
Contact the disability attorneys at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll by filling out and submitting a contact form below or call our office toll-free at 503-255-9092 for a case evaluation at no upfront cost.