The 5 Most Common Misconceptions About PTSD [HuffingtonPost.com]

June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring to light a disorder that affects millions of Americans every day. The distinction of this day was granted by the United States Senate in 2010. In 2014, the Senate upgraded the cause by designating the full month of June toward raising awareness for PTSD. These efforts are critical to providing opportunities to educate the public about PTSD and how it affects those with the disorder.

As a result, perhaps you’ve seen more headlines recently about PTSD. I see them everyday, mainly because I’m constantly searching for articles for a Facebook group I created called Peace with PTSD, a support group where we share positive and inspirational quotes as well as information on activities and therapies that help. I often find wonderful stories, such as kayaking groups, people receiving therapy dogs and meditation techniques that help calm people’s PTSD. However, on any given day, I’m met with stories that paint a very narrow picture of what PTSD is really all about. Having lived with PTSD since 1997 and having climbed my way out of a dark place to now where I live a very happy, fulfilling life by my design, I think I know a thing or two about living with PTSD. So in honor of PTSD Awareness Day, allow me to clarify what I believe to be the five most common misconceptions about the disorder.