This June, if you notice people wearing a teal ribbon on their shirts, you will know they are spreading awareness of a special month that recognizes the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on millions of Americans.
The devastating effects of trauma often go unrecognized, and PTSD, which is a very treatable condition, is frequently undiagnosed for years or misdiagnosed as something else, such as anxiety or panic disorder. Facilitating people’s understanding of PTSD will lead to increased compassion and help dispel the stigma that so often surrounds issues of mental health. Boston PTSD resources can be found at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health.
What you can do for PTSD Awareness Month
Normalizing open conversation about PTSD is one of the most important things you can do to help those who suffer and need professional help. PTSD Awareness Month is a great opportunity to do that. People with PTSD often live in the shadows, partly because they suffer such debilitating symptoms that it is difficult to live full lives, and partly because they fear judgment and misunderstanding of their symptoms.
The goals of PTSD Awareness Month are:
- Education: Raise awareness and understanding about this condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- Sharing: Make talking about PTSD as normal as talking about a dislocated shoulder. Tell stories and post on social media about your experience with PTSD or that of someone you love.
- Advocacy: Advocating on behalf of those who suffer, those who provide treatment, and those who research PTSD is crucial.
- Support research: There is ongoing research being undertaken to expand understanding of PTSD, including how to prevent, recognize, and treat it.
The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) offers an updated list of resources and infographics about PTSD that can be shared widely.
Meanwhile, an easy but meaningful gesture might be to publicly proclaim your support for those with PTSD by wearing a PTSD awareness ribbon. What is the color for PTSD Awareness Month? Teal. You can also use a temporary PTSD awareness teal ribbon frame around your profile picture on Facebook or purchase a bumper sticker or car magnet in support of PTSD initiatives, not just in June but year-round.
Activities for PTSD Awareness Month
PTSD Awareness Month is a time to educate, support, and reduce stigma around trauma-related disorders. Some activities you can take part in or organize in your community include:
- PTSD awareness walks: These events attract attention to the condition. You can provide resources for interested bystanders that include links for donations to research. Virtual walks are gaining in popularity, too.
- Ribbon ceremonies: Host a ribbon ceremony where attendees can hang teal ribbons on a temporary clothesline in honor of a loved one who has suffered or is suffering from PTSD. When they pin their ribbon, they can choose to share their story, which is powerful and helps reduce stigma.
- Lectures and discussions: Invite a speaker to present at your local library or other public venue.
- Film screenings: Host a screening of a PTSD-related film, such as the highly rated PTSD: The Walking Wounded.
- Fundraisers: Create a fundraiser like a concert, community block party, or golf tournament.
In fact, if you are looking for PTSD awareness month activities in MA, there is a Boston area golf tournament for PTSD awareness to be held on June 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the William J. Devine Golf Course.
What are group activities for veterans with PTSD in MA?
During June, PTSD Awareness Month, there are several initiatives to bring awareness to the issues faced by Veterans, including PTSD.
- June 9, 2025: A special commission on PTSD meeting
- June 10, 2025: An open house and town hall at the VA clinic in Lowell, MA
- June 16, 2025: Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group in Boston
- June 23, 2025: A blood drive at the West Roxbury VA Medical Center
Veterans experience PTSD at significant rates after facing traumas related to combat and other high-risk deployment experiences. Support for this population during PTSD Awareness Month is invaluable.
Organizations and nonprofits in MA that support mental health
Getting involved as a volunteer for groups that support the causes you believe in is a meaningful way to be the change you want to see in the world. Some MA organizations you might consider are:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
This national organization has branches throughout Massachusetts. You can find a list of the 18 MA NAMI affiliates here. They include Cape Cod and the Islands, Central Massachusetts, Boston, and Lowell.
Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
MAMH seeks to raise awareness about mental health conditions and increase equity in access to mental health services.
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ youth experience trauma at much higher rates than other young people. Though The Trevor Project is national and does not have local chapters, reaching out to support their work can be done from anywhere.
Staying connected to accurate sources of information, sharing personal stories and public resources, and becoming involved in PTSD Awareness Month initiatives are all important for improving diagnostic and treatment timelines, improving outcomes, and reducing long-term risks for those with PTSD.
What we’re doing to help
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based treatment for individuals living with PTSD. Our approach involves a combination of trauma-informed therapeutic interventions tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. We understand the profound impact PTSD can have on every aspect of a person’s life, which is why we emphasize holistic care that addresses mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Our experienced clinicians create a comfortable and supportive environment where healing can begin, fostering trust and empowerment at every step.
Additionally, we prioritize educating clients and their families about PTSD to encourage understanding and long-term success. Through our personalized care plans, we aim to help individuals rediscover hope and reclaim a sense of control over their lives.
Join Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health in supporting PTSD Awareness Month
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, we’re committed to supporting trauma survivors with compassionate, evidence-based care. This June, take a step forward—whether it’s joining a walk, sharing a story, or attending a support group.
Call 855.520.0531 or fill out our contact form today to learn how you can get involved or speak with a PTSD specialist.