Mason Highlights PTSD Awareness Month

GURNEE, Ill. – In recognition of PTSD Awareness Month, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is advocating for greater post-traumatic stress disorder resources and awareness.

“While many people think of PTSD as something that primarily affects combat veterans, it can happen to anyone who has experienced trauma, like domestic violence victims or children in poverty,” Mason said. “Not knowing the warning signs of PTSD often leads to people suffering in silence for months or years. That’s why it’s important to talk about PTSD, so we’re all better able to recognize its symptoms and make sure the people we love are reaching out for help when they need it.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD occurs when an individual goes through a traumatic event and then experiences certain negative health effects, such as sleep loss, irritability or flashbacks, for an extended period of time.

During her time in office, Mason has introduced multiple bills that address PTSD. Mason’s House Bill 3402 amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act to include PTSD as an impact of domestic abuse, and her Veterans Bill of Rights Act improves health care for veterans with PTSD. Mason also helped pass House Bill 188, a measure that gives the secretary of state the ability to offer PTSD awareness license plates.

“While the coronavirus pandemic kept me from being able to pass my legislation on PTSD this spring, I plan to reintroduce and continue working on those bills next session,” Mason said. “This month and every month, I encourage residents to have conversations with friends and neighbors about PTSD. If we all take steps to raise awareness about this issue, we can help more people with PTSD understand what they’re going through and know that they are not alone.”