06/27/2026
June 27th is National PTSD Awareness Day, and most individuals will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, either as a participant or as a witness. There are times when these events have a psychological impact on the individual.
When someone has PTSD, everyday life can feel overwhelming or unsafe. They may have upsetting memories, feel anxious or on edge, struggle to sleep, or avoid people, places, or things that remind them of the trauma—even things they once enjoyed.
The most common symptoms are: anxiety, avoidance, anger, hypervigilance, intrusive negative thinking, dissociation, and emotional instability. These symptoms are usually “triggered” by a recall or memory.
We know that psychotherapy (primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Therapy, EMDR) coupled with targeted pharmacological interventions can be beneficial.
Living with PTSD can feel like a lonely journey; however, it does not have to be this way, as there are treatment options. Many people find relief from their symptoms and some fully recover. If you or someone you know is struggling, please talk to a medical provider—you’re not alone, and support is out there.
Contributed by Michael Johnson, PhD, clinical psychologist working part time with Western Sierra Medical Clinic. He is the author of The Heart of Understanding: Karate and Kokoro.
