June marks PTSD Awareness Month, a time focused on educating the public and building understanding around post-traumatic stress disorder. Anyone who has gone through or seen a traumatic experience, regardless of age or background, can be at risk for developing PTSD. Symptoms that last for more than a few months may indicate the presence of PTSD.

Individuals with PTSD may experience unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of certain situations, heightened emotional responses, anxiety, and severe depression. The National Center for PTSD estimates that roughly 6% of people will develop post-traumatic stress disorder during their lifetime. Each year, PTSD impacts an estimated 12 million adults across the U.S. Among the two million Americans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, at least 600,000 have been diagnosed with PTSD.

PTSD can also impact those around the individual, particularly children who live with injured or ill veterans. These children often take on caregiving roles and may have to step into parental responsibilities within the household. According to data from The White House, approximately 2.3 million children in military families take on significant caregiving roles, which can lead to various physical and mental health issues.

Caregiving children often miss out on normal childhood experiences, such as focusing on schoolwork and socializing with peers. This can result in feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. When young people face emotional challenges, they may resort to substance use as a way to cope with their distress. This form of temporary relief can worsen mental health disorders and, in severe cases, lead to suicidal thoughts in depressed children.

It is essential for families to communicate openly about PTSD when appropriate, helping children understand that they are not to blame and providing them with support. Couples or families should explore PTSD treatment options together to identify what works best for them. A helpful resource is Understanding PTSD: A Guide for Family and Friends (PDF)—a free booklet offering valuable information and practical advice for those close to someone with PTSD, including tips specifically for talking with children about the condition.

For a deeper look at how PTSD impacts families, particularly kids who take on caregiving responsibilities, CBS News’ 60 Minutes featured a moving segment about children supporting wounded veterans in their own homes. You can watch the segment here to hear firsthand from two families about their experiences. These stories help shed light on the emotional and practical challenges families face, and why support systems are so important.

You are not alone. PTSD affects millions of individuals and families, but support, understanding, and healing are possible. By raising awareness, having open conversations, and accessing the right resources, families can navigate the challenges together. At CADS, we are dedicated to the prevention, education, and treatmentof substance use and related disorders. If you or a loved one is struggling, take our online assessment or contact CADS to learn about available services.

For veterans in emotional distress—and for their families and friends—the Veterans Crisis Line offers 24/7 support. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use the live online chat here. Trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves, are ready to help.

Read more from CADS:

1. When Mental Health and Substance Use Overlap: How to Find the Right Support

2. Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Why Proper Disposal Matters

3. How to Talk to a Loved One About Problem Gambling