The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) recognizes June 2023 as National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month, a disorder that can affect anyone at any age.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event – which can include combat veterans and people who have experienced a physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or other serious events.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the symptoms of PTSD fall into three broad types:

• Symptoms of re-living the event.
• Symptoms of avoidance.
• Symptoms of increased arousal.
• Other symptoms: linked with PTSD: are panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, substance use, feelings of isolation and estrangement, and not being able to complete daily tasks.

The National Center for PTSD reports that about six out of 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, that women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and that some biological factors (such as genes) may make some people more likely to develop PTSD.

HOTBHN, the Local Mental Health Authority for Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan County in Central Texas, wants the people of our six-county service area to be educated about PTSD and know about our programs that can help:

• Adult Behavioral Health Services, including the Heart of Texas Counseling Center.
• Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Services through the Klaras Center for Families.
• The Veterans One Stop.

For complete information on our programs, visit our website at www.hotbhn.org., or call (254) 752-3451. Crisis Services are available 24/7 with a toll-free call at (866) 752-3451.

Contact:
Tanya Ledesma,
Public Information Coordinator
tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org
Cell: (254) 640-5229