PTSD is widespread. While 3.5% of adult Americans struggling with PTSD may seem like a small percentage, that’s actually 8 million people.
It affects women more than men. 10% of women and only 4% of men are likely to develop PTSD, which makes it over twice as likely for women to develop the illness.
PTSD is widespread in veterans. Of those who served in the Vietnam War, an estimated 30% have had PTSD in their lifetimes. 12% of Gulf War Veterans have PTSD, and between 11-20% of veterans of the Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD.
The Senate recognized June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day at the urging of Senator Kent Conrad. Conrad wanted to honor a North Dakota National Guard member who had committed suicide after two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2014, the entire month of June was designated National PTSD Awareness Month by the Senate.
