PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding Trauma, Promoting Healing
posted on Friday, June 20, 2025
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and supporting those who are living with its effects. At Spencer Hospital and Clay County Behavioral Health LINC (Local Initiative for Networking & Collaboration), we believe it’s critical to talk openly about trauma, break the stigma around mental health, and remind our community that healing is possible. No one has to do it alone.
What is PTSD?
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can vary widely – from military combat and serious accidents to natural disasters, personal assaults, or other life-altering experiences.
One of the most important things to understand about PTSD is that it’s a real, treatable medical condition, not a personal failure or sign of weakness. With the right support and resources, people can learn to manage their symptoms and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Why PTSD Awareness Month Matters
Many people who experience PTSD symptoms may not realize what they’re going through, or they may feel alone and unsure of how to seek help. PTSD Awareness Month, and especially PTSD Awareness Day on June 27, provides an opportunity to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage people to reach out for the support they need.
Awareness leads to empathy. Empathy opens the door to healing.
A Local Perspective: One Year After the Flood
Here in Spencer and northwest Iowa, this message is especially relevant as we reflect on the one-year anniversary of last year’s devastating flooding. That event left a lasting impact on our community – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
It’s important to recognize that you didn’t have to be in direct danger to be affected by the flood. Simply living through the uncertainty, witnessing the damage, or coping with the aftermath can be traumatic. As heavy rains return or the media revisits last year’s events, it’s completely normal for difficult memories and emotions to resurface.
Recognizing the Signs
After a traumatic event like the flood, some people may experience what is called “uncomplicated PTSD,” which is PTSD tied to a single event. Common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Emotional distress or mood swings
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Heightened anxiety or irritability
These reactions are valid and understandable. Our minds and bodies are trying to process what happened, and sometimes, that process can be overwhelming.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, please know – you are not alone, and help is available. The first step is simply to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help assess your needs and guide you to the right resources.
In our region, we are fortunate to have a strong network of support. Spencer Hospital, local family practice providers, local behavioral health providers, and LINC work together to connect individuals to mental health services, peer support, and crisis assistance.
If you’re not sure where to start for guidance, we recommend that you start with a conversation with your family practice provider. Your provider will be able to help guide you and find the support that you need.
We also encourage you to visit YourLinc.org – our resource hub for PTSD and other mental health support. Whether you're looking for professional help, educational materials, or simply reassurance that what you're feeling is real, there are tools and people ready to support you.
A Message to Our Community
As we observe PTSD Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to be kind – not only to others, but to themselves. Trauma affects everyone differently, and there is no set timeline for healing. If you’re struggling, please don’t wait. Talk to someone. Reach out. Let us walk alongside you.
June is PTSD Awareness Month – June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to your family practice provider. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Talking to your provider is a simple yet powerful first step. They are there to listen without judgment, help you understand what you’re experiencing, and connect you with the care and resources that are right for you. Whether it’s counseling, medication, peer support, or other forms of assistance, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Your health and well-being matter. Having a conversation can open the door to healing, hope, and the support you deserve.
Let’s continue to look out for one another, and remember:
Help is here. Healing is possible. And you are not alone.
- behavioral health
- ptsd