The PTSD awareness ribbon is teal. If you’ve seen teal ribbons, pins, or profile frames in June, that’s why — June is PTSD Awareness Month, and June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day.
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health in Sharon, MA, we treat post-traumatic stress disorder year-round. This page covers what the teal ribbon stands for, when and how PTSD awareness is observed, and what to do if awareness isn’t enough — for you or someone you care about. Questions now? Call 855.520.0531.
What the teal ribbon means
Teal represents trauma awareness and healing. Wearing it signals two things: that PTSD is real and treatable, and that the people living with it — an estimated 5% of U.S. adults in a given year — shouldn’t have to hide it.1
PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event: combat, assault, an accident, a sudden loss, medical trauma. It’s not a sign of weakness, and it doesn’t only affect veterans — though the awareness movement has deep roots in the veteran community.
When is PTSD Awareness Month?
June. The U.S. Senate first designated June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day in 2010, and the full month of June was designated PTSD Awareness Month in 2014. The date honors Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, a North Dakota National Guard member who died by suicide after two tours in Iraq; June 27 was his birthday.
Ways to show support
- Wear teal in June, especially on June 27 — and be ready to explain why when someone asks
- Learn the symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance, being constantly on edge, feeling detached. Our post on trauma responses is a good place to start
- Check in on someone who’s been through something hard — months or years later, not just the week after
- Share real resources rather than slogans. The National Center for PTSD1 offers free, research-backed information
When awareness isn’t enough
A ribbon doesn’t treat PTSD — therapy does. If nightmares, flashbacks, or constant vigilance are interfering with your life, or you’re watching it happen to someone you love, treatment works and it doesn’t require putting life on hold. Our PTSD treatment program in Massachusetts offers trauma-focused therapy through day and outpatient schedules at our Sharon center. Call 855.520.0531 or verify your insurance online — it takes a few minutes.
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