[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 118 (Friday, June 26, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H2521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
June as National PTSD Awareness Month, and this Saturday, June 27, as 
PTSD Awareness Day.
  We need to do more to defy the stigmas surrounding mental health. 
PTSD treatment is a crucial tool that helps many individuals, 
particularly our Nation's veterans, process, cope, and treat emotional 
and mental trauma.
  Sadly, many of the men and women who have served in the United States 
military return home with injuries and scars, but sometimes, it is the 
invisible scars that hurt the most. Many struggle privately with PTSD 
and feel there is no outlet.
  PTSD Awareness Month is not only an opportunity to raise awareness 
about this, but it is also an opportunity to raise awareness about 
treatment options.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of resources to 
help those suffering from PTSD. Those seeking treatment should know 
that telemedicine may be an option as well, ensuring our veterans 
receive timely healthcare no matter where they live.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank our Nation's veterans for their service, and I 
encourage those who are struggling with PTSD to pursue treatment.

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