CMHA recognizes PTSD Awareness Day

Jun 27, 2022

CMHA Ottawa joins individuals and organizations around the world in recognizing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Awareness Day.

PTSD Awareness Day was officially recognized for the first time in Ontario by the provincial government in 2019. PTSD is an anxiety disorder involving exposure to a traumatic event which could include crimes, natural disasters, accidents, war or conflict, or other threats to life. A person with PTSD could experience the event themselves or witness it happening to others.

While post-traumatic stress can affect anyone, healthcare workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters and corrections staff are particularly at risk. The unique workplace stress for first responders can lead to operational stress injuries, which include PTSD. Women, refugees and Indigenous people are also statistically at higher risk.

If you are struggling, please reach out. CMHA Ottawa offers several resources that may help individuals living with PTSD or other mental health issues.

To show support, members of the public are encouraged to share their stories and use the #PTSDAwarenessDay hashtag on social media.