QUINCY (WGEM) – September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The National Institute of Mental Health reports an estimated 3.6% of U.S. adults were dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder in the past year.
Malinda Vogel, counselor at Midwest Counseling Services in Quincy, said many times when people think of PTSD, they think of war and veterans, but that isn’t the only thing that can cause PTSD.
“Lots of other things can constitute traumatic events including car accidents, natural disasters, even growing up in an abusive or neglectful home, being sexually assaulted or even physically assaulted,” Vogel said.
She said these are all things she has seen in the community and adds law enforcement who see other people experiencing trauma can also struggle with PTSD.
Reactions to trauma can be caused by a variety of triggers, some might even be part of daily life. She said reactions can sometimes be visible, like being startled or fearful, but many times will be mostly internal and may cause the person to be withdrawn. However, she said there are things the community can do to help.
“Certainly you can offer support, you can be compassionate, you can seek to understand what they are going through and encourage them to talk to you about it if they would like,” Vogel said. “You could always encourage them to get help. Remind them that they are not alone.”
Vogel also said the healing process can be very difficult, but she does see people successfully get the help they need.
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