June is National Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Awareness Month and it is a time to raise public awareness about issues related to PTS while also reducing the stigma associated with this condition and helping to ensure that those battling PTS receive proper treatment and care. 

We invite you to learn more about PTS Awareness Month and how Medal of Honor Recipients address this issue through the Society’s Veterans Outreach Program. 

About PTS Awareness Month

According to BrainLine, “PTS is a common, normal, and often adaptive response to experiencing a traumatic or stressful event. Common occurrences, like car accidents, can trigger PTS as well as more unusual events, like military combat. This fight-or-flight response is a normal reflex during and sometimes even after a traumatic event, which is why PTS is considered a normal reaction and not a mental illness.”

While similar in name and symptoms, Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two different conditions, with PTSD being a clinically-diagnosed condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a situation that involves the possibility of death or serious injury. 

It is important to note the key differences between the two:

• PTS symptoms are common after deployment and may improve or resolve within a month. PTSD symptoms are more severe, persistent, and interfere with daily functioning.
• Individuals with PTS typically do not develop PTSD. Additionally, individuals can develop PTSD without first having PTS.
• PTS often requires no medical intervention, unless symptoms are severe. However, individuals may benefit from healthcare support to prevent symptoms from worsening.

Because the Congressional Medal of Honor Society is focused on the issues facing the veteran and active-duty military communities, our focus is on the issues surrounding PTS since it often affects those in uniform. However, PTSD is an equally important condition that we all should be aware of in addition to PTS.

Veterans Outreach Program and PTS Awareness Month 

Our Veterans Outreach Program targets the resiliency and wellness challenges of the veteran and active-duty military communities, connecting Recipients with organizations tackling these issues. 

While they are not trained clinicians, the Recipients use their personal experiences to engage through motivation and provide a positive example. They provide leadership in addressing mental health issues, including PTS.

On May 27th, 2021, we partnered with the Center for American Values to present “Breaking the Wall of Silence”: Medal of Honor Recipient Forum on Active Duty and Veteran Suicide Prevention. The virtual forum featured a multi-generational panel of Medal of Honor Recipients who shared their perspectives and personal experiences surrounding PTS. The focus of this forum was to reduce the stigma of military members openly talking about PTS as well as suicide prevention, while helping healthcare professionals and everyday citizens gain a better understanding of our active duty and veteran populations. 

If you are interested in viewing this event, we invite you to watch the full recording here. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge and participate in PTS Awareness Month and discover the personal stories of Medal of Honor Recipients. 

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