BILOXI, Miss. – June is PTSD awareness month-- it stands for post-traumatic stress disorder.

   Though the disease is commonly associated with veterans-- and a high percentage of vets do acquire it from combat-- it can also stem from other traumatic events as well.

   Triggers can occur in things like nightmares and flashbacks. A common symptom of PTSD is avoidance of anything that might remind an individual of that experience.

   The first step in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) treatment plan for PTSD is a conversation to uniquely cater to a Veteran’s needs.

   Contact your GCVHCS health care team to discuss treatment options for PTSD. Due to Covid-19, GCVHCS is offering virtual options for people seeking treatment.

   If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide you can call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.