PTSD Awareness Day
June 27
About PTSD Awareness Day
National PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on 27 June. The day, which falls in the wider National PTSD Awareness Month, is dedicated to raising public understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder, reducing the stigma that prevents people from seeking help, and pointing those affected toward effective treatment.
What is PTSD Awareness Day?
National PTSD Awareness Day is a US national observance held each year on 27 June. It was created to acknowledge that post-traumatic stress disorder affects millions of Americans, including veterans, first responders, survivors of assault and accidents, and anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The day is led in the United States by the National Center for PTSD, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and supported by mental health charities, veterans’ organisations, and clinicians worldwide.
When is PTSD Awareness Day?
PTSD Awareness Day takes place on Saturday 27 June 2026. The date is fixed in honour of Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, whose birthday fell on 27 June and whose family advocated for the original Senate resolution. The day sits within National PTSD Awareness Month, which spans the whole of June.
Why PTSD Awareness Day Matters
Post-traumatic stress disorder is more common than many people realise. According to the National Center for PTSD, around 6 out of every 100 adults in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, equating to roughly 13 million Americans in any given year. Among veterans the figure is higher, at about 7 percent lifetime prevalence, rising to as much as 29 percent for those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Female veterans are more than twice as likely as male veterans to be diagnosed. Despite effective treatments being available, many people delay seeking help because of stigma or a lack of awareness, which is why a dedicated day matters.
How to Get Involved in PTSD Awareness Day
There are practical ways for individuals, employers, and communities to take part:
- Learn the symptoms – Familiarise yourself with the four main symptom clusters: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in arousal or reactivity. Knowing the signs helps you recognise them in yourself or others.
- Wear teal – Teal is the colour associated with PTSD awareness. Wearing a teal ribbon or item of clothing on 27 June is a simple way to signal solidarity.
- Share trusted resources – Use social media to share links to evidence-based information from the National Center for PTSD, the Veterans Crisis Line, or your country’s equivalent.
- Donate to a relevant charity – Organisations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Give an Hour, and PTSD UK rely on donations to fund treatment, research, and peer support.
- Check in on a veteran or first responder – A simple message asking how someone is really doing can be the moment they decide to seek help. Listen without judgement.
- Encourage workplace training – Ask your employer to invest in trauma-informed training for managers, particularly in sectors with high exposure such as healthcare, emergency services, and journalism.
- Speak openly about your own experience – If you live with PTSD and feel safe doing so, sharing your story helps others understand that recovery is possible.
- Support research – Organisations like the Cohen Veterans Bioscience network fund research into the biology of trauma and new treatments. Even small donations contribute to long-term progress.
History of PTSD Awareness Day
National PTSD Awareness Day has its roots in the story of one soldier and his family. Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard returned home in 2007 after his second tour in the Iraq War. He was struggling with the symptoms of PTSD and took his life in April of that year. His family and colleagues began campaigning for greater awareness, and Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota took up the cause.
In 2010 the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 541, designating 27 June, Joe Biel’s birthday, as National PTSD Awareness Day. The resolution drew attention to the experiences of returning service members and the importance of removing the stigma attached to seeking treatment. In 2014 the Senate expanded the observance, declaring the entire month of June as National PTSD Awareness Month. New resolutions have been passed each year since to renew the designation.
While the day was created with veterans in mind, awareness has broadened to include the many civilians affected by PTSD, including survivors of sexual assault, road traffic collisions, natural disasters, childhood abuse, and the trauma faced by emergency responders and frontline healthcare staff.
Noteworthy Facts About PTSD Awareness Day
- National PTSD Awareness Day was first designated in 2010 by US Senate Resolution 541, championed by Senator Kent Conrad.
- The date of 27 June was chosen to honour Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, whose family campaigned for the resolution after his death.
- About 6 percent of US adults will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, equating to roughly 13 million Americans in any given year.
- Women are about twice as likely as men to develop PTSD over their lifetime, with hormonal, social, and exposure-related factors all contributing.
- Effective evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PTSD Awareness Day?
PTSD Awareness Day is a US national observance, held annually on 27 June, dedicated to raising understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and reducing stigma around seeking help.
When is PTSD Awareness Day in 2026?
PTSD Awareness Day 2026 falls on Saturday 27 June 2026.
Why is PTSD Awareness Day on 27 June?
The date marks the birthday of Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard, whose family campaigned for the original Senate resolution after he died by suicide in 2007 while suffering from PTSD.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing PTSD Awareness Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #PTSDAwarenessDay and #PTSDAwarenessDay2026 on social media. The more people who understand PTSD, the easier it becomes for those affected to ask for help.
Related Awareness Days
- Resilience Week – A complementary week focused on building emotional and community resilience.
- World Meditation Day – A day promoting meditation as a tool for mental health and recovery.
- National Nurses Week – Honours frontline nurses, many of whom face elevated trauma risk in their work.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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