PTSD: The Invisible Wound Many People Carry

When most people hear the term PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), they often think only of combat veterans or first responders. While PTSD certainly affects many who have served our country and communities, trauma can impact anyone — including children, teens, parents, healthcare workers, survivors of abuse, individuals struggling with addiction, and people who have experienced grief, loss, accidents, violence, or prolonged stress.

PTSD is not weakness, attention-seeking, or “being unable to move on.” Trauma actually changes how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, fear, emotions, and even everyday situations. For many individuals, the effects can linger long after the traumatic event has passed.

Some people with PTSD experience:

• anxiety or panic attacks
• nightmares or sleep issues
• emotional numbness
• anger or irritability
• withdrawal from loved ones
• depression
• hypervigilance or constantly feeling “on edge”
• difficulty concentrating
• increased alcohol or substance use as a way to cope or numb emotional pain

One of the most important conversations happening today is the connection between trauma and addiction. Many individuals struggling with substance use are not simply seeking a “high” — they are often trying to quiet emotional pain, fear, memories, anxiety, or overwhelming stress. Unfortunately, self-medicating can quickly lead to dependency, worsening mental health, and isolation.

Men especially are often taught to stay silent about emotional struggles. Many grow up hearing messages like “man up,” “don’t cry,” or “handle it yourself.” As a result, PTSD and mental health challenges can go untreated for years, sometimes showing up instead as anger, overworking, emotional withdrawal, or alcohol use.

Healing is possible, and help is available. Therapy, support groups, healthy coping tools, connection, education, and simply having safe conversations can make a life-changing difference.

Men’s Mental Health: The Silent Struggle Many Men Carry

June is Men’s Health Month, and while physical health often gets most of the attention, mental health deserves just as much conversation. Across the country, millions of men are silently struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness, substance use, and emotional burnout — often without ever asking for help.

For generations, many men were taught to suppress emotion, “push through,” and handle problems on their own. While resilience can be valuable, emotional suppression can come at a very high cost.

While PTSD is one specific area of mental health, many other mental health challenges in men often go unrecognized because symptoms can present differently than they do in women. Rather than showing sadness, men may experience

• anger or irritability
• emotional withdrawal
• overworking
• isolation
• alcohol or drug use
• risky behavior
• sleep issues
• emotional numbness

Unfortunately, many men suffer in silence for years

before reaching out for support.

The Statistics Are Alarming

According to the CDC:

• Men account for nearly 80% of all suicides in the United States
• Over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023
• The suicide rate among men is approximately four times higher than women.

Substance use also disproportionately affects men. According to SAMHSA:

• Nearly 48.4 million Americans experienced a substance use disorder in the past year
• Alcohol use disorder remains one of the most common struggles among adult men
• Many individuals with substance use disorders also experience underlying mental health conditions or unresolved trauma.

Research continues to show a strong connection between trauma, emotional suppression, isolation, and addiction. For many men, substances become a way to numb stress, grief, anxiety, or emotional pain they were never taught how to process in healthy ways.

Another growing concern is loneliness. Experts now recognize social isolation as a major contributor to depression, anxiety, addiction, and declining emotional health in men.

Why Men Often Don’t Seek Help

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers. Many men fear:

• appearing weak
• burdening others
• being judged
• losing respect
• admitting they are struggling

But mental health challenges are not weakness. Trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction are health conditions — not character flaws.

The strongest thing someone can do is ask for help before reaching a breaking point.

What Helps

Healing often starts with small but important steps:

• honest conversations
• counseling or therapy
• support groups
• reducing isolation
• healthy coping tools
• exercise and sleep
• connection with trusted friends or family
• reducing alcohol or substance dependence
• learning that vulnerability is not failure

Eye-Opening Statistics:

US suicides involving men ------------------------------- 80%

Adults with substance use disorder --------------------- 17%

Adults reporting mental illness -------------------------- 19%

Adults with mental illness receiving treatment --------- 43%

Adults in recovery from substance/alcohol problems - 74%

Women can experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from many different types of trauma — and research shows women are actually about twice as likely as men to develop PTSD during their lifetime, even though men may experience more traumatic events overall.

One reason is that women more commonly experience certain types of deeply personal or repeated trauma that strongly impact emotional safety, trust, and the nervous system.

Common Situations That Can

Lead to PTSD in Women

Sexual Assault or Abuse

One of the most common causes of PTSD in women.

This includes:

• childhood sexual abuse
• rape
• attempted assault
• domestic violence
• coercion
• trafficking
• repeated harassment or intimidation

These experiences can deeply affect:

• safety
• trust
• body image
• intimacy
• self-worth

Domestic Violence & Emotional Abuse

PTSD can develop not only from physical violence but also:

• manipulation
• controlling relationships
• emotional abuse
• threats
• chronic fear
• narcissistic abuse
• financial control

Many women live in “fight or flight” mode for years.

Childhood Trauma

Including:

• neglect
• unstable homes
• addicted parents
• emotional abuse
• witnessing violence
• abandonment
• parentification (being forced into adult roles too early)

Trauma in childhood can reshape how the brain responds to stress later in life.

Loss of a Child or Loved One

Profound grief and traumatic loss can trigger PTSD symptoms, especially when:

• the death was sudden
• overdose-related
• violent
• accidental
• medically traumatic
• suicide-related

Many parents experience intrusive thoughts, panic, nightmares, and hypervigilance afterward.

Medical Trauma

Women can develop PTSD after:

• traumatic childbirth
• emergency surgeries
• cancer treatment
• severe illness
• infertility struggles
• repeated medical procedures
• NICU experiences with babies

This is discussed far less than it should be.

Addiction & Substance-Related Trauma

Women struggling with addiction often have underlying trauma histories.

Trauma may involve:

• overdose experiences
• abusive relationships
• sexual exploitation
• unsafe environments
• losing custody of children
• chronic instability

There is a strong connection between trauma and substance use in women.

First Responder, Healthcare, or Caregiver Trauma

Women in:

• healthcare
• nursing
• law enforcement
• social work
• teaching
• caregiving roles

may experience repeated emotional trauma and burnout from constantly caring for others while suppressing their own stress.

How PTSD Affects Women

PTSD affects the brain, nervous system, hormones, emotions, and even physical health.

Women may experience:

Emotional Symptoms

• anxiety
• panic attacks
• emotional numbness
• depression
• irritability
• shame
• guilt
• feeling unsafe
• difficulty trusting others

Physical Symptoms

• sleep problems
• nightmares
• chronic fatigue
• headaches
• digestive issues
• muscle tension
• heightened startle response
• hormone disruption

Trauma can keep the nervous system in survival mode.

Relationship Effects

Women with PTSD may:

• isolate themselves
• avoid intimacy
• become hyper-independent
• struggle with trust
• fear abandonment
• become emotionally overwhelmed easily

Substance Use

Some women cope through:

• alcohol
• prescription medications
• emotional eating
• overworking
• people pleasing
• perfectionism
• avoidance behaviors

Sometimes trauma symptoms do not “look like PTSD” outwardly.

How PTSD Is Treated

The good news is that healing is absolutely possible.

Effective PTSD Treatments

Trauma Therapy

Especially:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy
• Trauma-focused CBT
• Somatic therapies

Support Groups

Many women heal through:

• connection
• being believed
• reducing shame
• realizing they are not alone

Nervous System Regulation

Healing often includes:

• exercise
• sleep restoration
• mindfulness
• breathwork
• reducing chronic stress
• healthy routines
• reducing alcohol/substance use

Medication

Some individuals benefit from medications for:

• anxiety
• panic
• sleep
• depression

Often combined with therapy.

Safe Relationships

One of the most healing things after trauma is

feeling emotionally safe again.

Supportive relationships matter tremendously.



Sentimental & Connection-Based

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Memory Letter

One of the most meaningful gifts:

Write a heartfelt letter sharing:

• favorite memories
• lessons learned from him
• qualities you admire
• moments that impacted your life

Many dads keep these forever.

“Open When” Letters

A set of small letters:

• “Open when you need encouragement”
• “Open when you miss me”
• “Open when you need a laugh”
• “Open when you’re stressed”

Very personal and emotional.

Recorded Video Messages

Gather short video clips from:

• kids
• grandkids
• friends
• siblings

Talking about:

• favorite memories
• funny stories
• appreciation

Especially meaningful for aging parents.

Memory Book or Photo Journal

A simple photo book with:

• old photos
• captions
• stories
• handwritten notes

This is often more impactful than expensive gifts.

“Reasons We Love You” Jar

Small handwritten notes in a jar:

• memories
• funny moments
• appreciation
• things he taught you

Easy but incredibly meaningful.

Experience Gifts

Connection usually matters more than objects.

Ideas:

• golf outing
• fishing trip
• grilling night
• concert
• hiking day
• weekend getaway
• breakfast together
• attending a game together

Often dads simply want uninterrupted time.

Legacy or Storytelling Gifts

Especially meaningful for older fathers or grandfathers.

Ideas:

• record his life stories
• family history journal
• interview questions about his childhood/life
• “Tell Me Your Story, Dad” memory books

These become treasured family keepsakes later.

Personalized Practical Gifts

If he likes useful gifts:

• engraved pocket knife
• custom leather wallet
• personalized grill tools
• framed handwritten recipe
• custom cutting board
• photo coffee mug
• keychain with coordinates or kids’ names

EVENTS IN IOWA

June Events:

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: June 8, 2026 | 5:15PM - 6:45PM
• Where: Online (South Central Iowa)
• Focus: Support group for family members and loved ones of individuals facing mental health challenges. Education, encouragement, and peer connection.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 9, 2026 | 5:15PM - 6:45PM
• Where: Online (South Central Iowa)
• Focus: Free peer-led support group for adults living with mental health conditions. Shared experiences, recovery tools, and support.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 2, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Focus: Peer-led support for adults navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: June 4, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs, Iowa (Hybrid)
• Focus: Support for families and loved ones impacted by mental illness. Practical coping support and shared connection.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 4, 2026 | 2:00PM - 3:30PM
• Where: Atlantic, Iowa
• Focus: Mental health recovery support group offering peer encouragement, hope, and connection.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 4, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Online
• Focus: Virtual peer-led support group for adults with mental health conditions across Iowa.

Veterans Mental Health Gathering

• When: June 8, 2026 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Where: Shenandoah, Iowa
• Focus: Informal gathering focused on veteran mental health, PTSD support, peer connection, and community resources.

ReConnect Peer Insights

• When: June 8, 2026 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM
• Where: Southwest Iowa
• Focus: Recovery support, peer wisdom, and practical mental wellness strategies for individuals in recovery.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 15, 2026 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM
• Where: Clarinda, Iowa
• Focus: Peer-led support for adults managing mental health challenges with understanding and hope.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 15, 2026 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Where: Shenandoah, Iowa
• Focus: Community support group for adults experiencing mental health symptoms and recovery journeys.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 16, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Focus: Continued peer support for mental wellness, resilience, and recovery.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: June 16, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Clarinda, Iowa (Hybrid)
• Focus: Support group for families caring for loved ones with mental illness or emotional struggles.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 18, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Atlantic, Iowa
• Focus: Ongoing peer support group promoting coping skills, hope, and healing.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

• When: Daily Throughout June 2026 | Morning, Afternoon & Evening
• Where: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Ames, Waterloo & statewide
• Focus: Recovery meetings for individuals seeking sobriety from alcohol addiction. In-person and online options available.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

• When: Daily Throughout June 2026 | Various Times
• Where: Statewide Iowa
• Focus: Recovery support for individuals overcoming drug addiction and substance use.

June PTSD Awareness Month

• When: All Month of June 2026
• Where: Statewide Iowa
• Focus: Raising awareness of trauma, PTSD, treatment resources, and support for veterans, first responders, adults, and youth.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

• When: All Month of June 2026
• Where: Statewide Iowa
• Focus: Encouraging men and boys to speak openly about depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and emotional wellness.

Pride Month Mental Health Support Events

• When: Throughout June 2026
• Where: Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport & other Iowa cities
• Focus: LGBTQ+ mental health awareness, suicide prevention, affirming care, and recovery support.

Youth Summer Mental Health Check-In Campaign

• When: June 2026
• Where: Iowa families, schools, churches, youth organizations
• Focus: June is a critical month for youth due to loss of school structure, isolation, boredom, and increased substance experimentation risk.

Upcoming Events in July:

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

• When: Throughout July 2026
• Where: Nationwide & Iowa Community Awareness Efforts
• Focus: Raising awareness about mental health challenges affecting minority and underserved communities, reducing stigma, improving access to care, and encouraging conversations around emotional wellness and support.

International Self-Care Day

• When: July 24, 2026
• Where: Nationwide
• Focus: Encouraging healthy habits that support both mental and physical health, including stress management, emotional wellness, sleep, exercise, connection, and seeking help when needed.

World Drowning Prevention Day

• When: July 25, 2026
• Where: Nationwide & Iowa Water Safety Campaigns
• Focus: Water safety awareness, accident prevention, and recognizing the emotional and mental health impact that traumatic loss and grief can have on families and communities.

National Bereaved Parents Day

• When: July 3, 2026
• Where: Nationwide
• Focus: Honoring parents who have lost children and recognizing the long-term emotional impact of grief, trauma, mental health struggles, and the importance of community support.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: July 7, 2026 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• Where: NAMI Carroll County Iowa
• Focus: Support group for family members and loved ones of individuals facing mental health challenges. Education, encouragement, and peer connection.

NAMI Connection Support Group

• When: July 14, 2026 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• Where: NAMI Carroll County Iowa
• Focus: Peer-led support group for adults living with mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional wellness challenges.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: July 21, 2026 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• Where: NAMI Carroll County Iowa
• Focus: Ongoing support and education for caregivers, spouses, parents, and loved ones navigating mental health conditions within their families.

NAMI Northeast Iowa Connection Support Group

• When: July 21, 2026
• Where: NAMI Northeast Iowa
• Focus: Peer support, encouragement, coping strategies, and recovery-focused discussions for adults living with mental health conditions.

NAMI Northeast Iowa Family Support Group

• When: July 27, 2026
• Where: NAMI Northeast Iowa
• Focus: Support and education for families and caregivers supporting individuals with mental health challenges, addiction struggles, or emotional trauma.

Iowa Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaigns

• When: Throughout July 2026
• Where: Statewide
• Focus: Summer awareness campaigns focused on suicide prevention, crisis resources, emotional wellness, and increasing awareness of Iowa’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline resources.

Summer Youth Mental Health & Substance Use Awareness Initiatives

• When: Throughout July 2026
• Where: Various Iowa Communities & Organizations
• Focus: Addressing increased summer risks involving youth substance use, social isolation, anxiety, depression, and lack of school-based support systems during summer months.

If your organization has an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our newsletter, please contact us.



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