Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month Post-traumatic stress develops in the weeks, months, or years following experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (combat, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters, or severe accidents). PTSD was originally understood as “shell shock” or “war neurosis” in 1980 and associated with combat veterans. In 2014, PTSD Awareness Day was established in recognition of Joe Biel, a National Guard service member who experienced PTSD after two tours in Iraq and died by suicide in 2007. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. After a traumatic event, it’s normal to have stress reactions including:- Upsetting memoires
- Feeling on edge
- Having difficulty sleeping
If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks/months a person may develop PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include, but are not limited to:- Nightmares/unwanted memories of the trauma
- Avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma
- Heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood that impact ability to perform in daily life or important activities
Treatment and healing are possible through “trauma-focused” psychotherapies and medications. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are some psychotherapy options to promote healing for PTSD. By promoting awareness, sparking conversations, and extending support, we can create a world where the effects of trauma are met with empathy, understanding, and healing. Check out this link for more information and support in dealing with PTSD: Juneteenth
(6/19/2025) Major General Gordon Granger read a proclamation of freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. For decades, the celebration of Juneteenth has ebbed and flowed due to economic and cultural forces. On June 17th, 2021 President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day, an act establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth:- In the workplace: decorate a breakroom, conference room, or lobby with a Juneteenth theme to acknowledge the day of celebration or discuss the company’s diversity initiatives to ensure employees that race and gender will never be barriers to their progress within the company.
- In the community: Host a community-wide healing circle. Encourage libraries, post offices, or city hall to host Juneteenth displays. Rally local organizations to unite and collaborate on a special event in honor of Juneteenth
- In the home: Plan a special meal and gather the family to acknowledge Juneteenth. Take some personal time to reflect.
Visit https://www.juneteenth.com/history/ to learn more about how Juneteenth celebrations have endured and evolved though the years. Wellness Grove Group Counseling Group counseling is an effective tool for receiving support and learning skills to tackle mental health concerns. Groups that are offered related to PTSD and Juneteenth include: - Safe Harbor – A group for adults healing from trauma using trauma-focused therapy techniques.
(5:00pm to 6:00pm / Weekly / Thursdays / Telehealth) - DBT Art Therapy – A group for adults and teens to learn DBT skills to assist in effective daily living through Art Therapy
(4:00pm to 5:00pm / Weekly / Thursdays / Telehealth) - Women of Color – A group for women of color to heal, grow, and connect with others to process the impact of oppression
(3:00pm to 4:00pm / Bi-weekly / Thursdays / Telehealth)
Visit https://wellnessgrove.com/services/group-counseling/ to learn more about groups offered at Wellness Grove! Wellness Grove Art Workshop Opportunities Wellness Grove hosts art workshops on the last Saturday of every month from 12:00pm to 1:30pm at 4522 Fulton Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718. Each workshop has a different theme and art task. Cost of attendance includes materials and light snacks and refreshments. Call (330) 915-2907 or stop in to learn more about the monthly theme and let’s make some art, together! | 
