Catch 22 Peer Support

THU, 18 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month:
Staying connected.
Often, PTSD will cause a person to isolate. The symptoms of PTSD can make us feel that we are different and not able to relate to others. This can be associated with something called Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). An article in Verywell Mind states, "A person with PTSD may have difficulties communicating or interacting with others for fear of coming into contact with trauma-related reminders. All of this may feed the development of SAD.
( https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-avoidance-behaviors... )
Self-isolating is fairly common, and there is a tendency to push people away, which can cause relationship issues.
If you or someone you know is experiencing self-isolation, there is hope, there is help. Learn ways that you can help.
Reach out.
You matter - we care.

WED, 17 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month
Ask for help.
"Untreated PTSD Makes Life More Difficult Than It Has to Be for Veterans and Their Families"
"While PTSD can be difficult to treat when left untreated, the mental health condition can cause significant psychological, physical, and social issues.
Not only are veterans with PTSD at risk of suffering emotionally, but the condition puts them at an increased risk for several life-threatening conditions."
( https://www.disabledvets.com/?s=untreated+ptsd )
Untreated PTSD can cause chronic pain, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Ask for help
Reach out
You matter - we care

TUE, 16 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month
Self-Destructive Behavior
"People with PTSD experience very strong, frequent, and unpleasant emotions and thoughts, which may increase the likelihood that they will rely on unhealthy coping strategies, such as deliberate self-harm or substance misuse. Although these behaviors may reduce distress in the moment, they have many long-term negative consequences." (Mathew Tull, Ph.D.)
(https://www.verywellmind.com/self-destructive-behaviors...)
Some types of self-destructive or risky behavior are:
*Cutting or burning
*Alcohol or drug misuse
*Smoking
*Driving recklessly
*Su***de
Self-destructive behavior is when a person does something that can cause a negative outcome, such as drinking and driving.
Ask for help.
Reach out
You matter - we care

MON, 15 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month:
Getting help. There is help and hope for those of us dealing with PTSD. Seeing a professional provider is a great choice. From there, the treatment options can be discussed. Ongoing support is also beneficial. A trained peer support specialist can lead support groups and help you find your way to healing. While they are not licensed providers, certified peer specialists are able to supplement your treatment. One study provided these results:
"The peer-led sessions helped people as much as the counselor-led sessions in improving PTSD symptoms, alcohol and substance cravings, coping skills, mental health, and physical health, and reducing alcohol and substance use.
People in groups led by peer support workers reported having a stronger connection with session leaders than those in groups led by counselors."
( https://www.pcori.org/.../are-treatment-groups-led-peers...)
Reach out
You matter - we care.

SUN, 14 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month
Hypervigilance
"Hypervigilance is about more than just being extra vigilant. It is a state of extreme alertness that undermines quality of life. If you are hypervigilant, you are always on the lookout for hidden dangers, both real and presumed. Because of this, hypervigilance can leave you exhausted while interfering with interpersonal relationships, work, and your ability to function on a day-to-day basis."
(Matthew Tull, Ph.D. , 2020)(https://www.verywellmind.com/hypervigilance-2797363)
When we experience hypervigilance, we tend to avoid going out to places we perceive to have threats, we are jumpy or startled easily, and we do things like sit with our back to a wall and near an exit. Our bodies produce adrenaline (epinephrine), which causes dilated pupils, higher blood pressure, and an increased heart rate.
There is help; talk to your health provider. There is no shame in asking for help.
Reach out
you matter - we care

SAT, 13 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month:
Delayed-Onset PTSD.
To be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you have to experience a specific set of symptoms for at least one month following exposure to a traumatic event, but in some cases, people may experience delayed-onset PTSD.
Delayed-onset PTSD is not frequently diagnosed, and there is not a great deal of research on this type. However, its occurrence has been observed and studied in some research, and it appears that almost a quarter of PTSD cases may have a delayed onset.1 This research has produced some theories on what delayed-onset PTSD is and why it occurs.
( https://www.verywellmind.com/delayed-onset-ptsd-meaning... )
Not every person who is exposed to a traumatic event develops PTSD, and for some, the PTSD can manifest much later. It is important to note that people react to trauma in different ways, and some will not develop PTSD, while others may present with symptoms later in life. There is help, and all you need to do is ask; it is okay.
Reach out.
You matter - we care

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/a-new-veterans-bill-includes-major-richard-star-act-but-cuts-benefits-for-1-5-million-to-fund-it/ar-AA25rHY0?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=6a2bfb32a324417881db0d9f6f4cba6b&ei=34

www.msn.com

FRI, 12 JUN 2026
RED Friday
Reach out
You matter - we care

THU, 11 JUN 2026
PTSD Awareness Month
Self-medicating is when a person with PTSD uses alcohol or drugs to help relieve the symptoms.
Matthew Tull, PhD, writes, "One major theory about the relationship between PTSD and substance use is that a person's drug or alcohol use is motivated by their desire to escape or numb the distressing symptoms of PTSD. This is known as self-medicating."
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-self-medication-theory...
The use of drugs or alcohol is a temporary solution and can cause the symptoms to return stronger.
The emotional pain of PTSD may cause some to turn to alcohol or drugs to help manage the symptoms of PTSD, but in the long run, using those substances will worsen the symptoms.
There are better ways to learn how to manage PTSD symptoms. Talk with your mental health provider. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
Reach out
You matter - we care