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Understanding, Supporting, and Healing: Shedding Light on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Paths to Recovery
- coalvalleylibrary
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
June is National PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising public understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder, advocating for those affected, and connecting individuals with the resources they need to heal. At the Robert R. Jones Public Library, we believe in the power of knowledge and community support to break the silence surrounding mental health—and that begins with awareness.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While often associated with military veterans, PTSD can affect anyone—survivors of abuse, accidents, natural disasters, violence, or even prolonged stress. Symptoms vary but often include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness. It can make everyday life challenging, but with treatment and support, healing is possible.
Why Awareness Matters
According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 12 million adults in the U.S. experience PTSD each year. Despite its prevalence, misconceptions persist. Many people don’t seek help due to stigma, misinformation, or lack of access to resources. By learning about PTSD and listening without judgment, we help create a safe space for others to open up and seek care.
How the Library Supports Mental Health
Libraries are more than book lenders—we’re community anchors. Throughout the year, we strive to provide inclusive resources that support mental health and emotional well-being:
Books on Mental Health: From memoirs to mindfulness guides, our collection offers stories and strategies for coping and healing.
Quiet Reading Spaces: Need a low-stimulation environment? We offer peaceful areas where you can breathe, read, and reflect.
Community Resource Connections: We can help connect you to local organizations offering mental health counseling, veteran support, or crisis hotlines.
Books That Shine a Light on PTSD
Here are a few impactful titles available through our library that explore trauma and recovery with compassion and honesty:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
A leading expert in trauma research, Dr. van der Kolk explains how trauma reshapes the body and brain, and how innovative therapies are changing the way we heal.
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo
Foo explores her personal journey of growing up with complex PTSD and finding pathways toward hope and self-understanding.
Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans by Jenny T. Wang
Blending personal experience, cultural insight, and professional expertise, Dr. Wang offers a powerful look at how trauma—particularly in immigrant and Asian American communities—can be carried silently. This book provides affirming guidance for anyone navigating the intersection of culture, identity, and emotional well-being.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
While not solely about PTSD, this memoir addresses racial trauma with raw honesty, challenging readers to recognize how systemic oppression can lead to generational trauma.
All the Quiet Places by Brian Thomas Isaac
This novel sensitively explores the long-term emotional scars of a traumatic childhood, resonating deeply with readers of all ages.
Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh
A powerful middle-grade novel that introduces young readers to themes of depression, family trauma, and resilience through the story of a Korean American girl discovering her family's wartime past.
Why Do I Feel So Sad? by Tracy Lambert
This gentle, validating resource helps children name and explore complicated emotions, ideal for families navigating grief, trauma, or tough transitions.
Take Action
Here are a few simple but meaningful ways you can observe National PTSD Awareness Month:
Educate yourself and others: Share articles, books, or videos that increase understanding.
Check in with loved ones: A simple “I’m here if you ever want to talk” can be life-changing.
Support organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with local mental health and veteran support nonprofits.
Speak openly: Reducing stigma starts with conversations. When we talk about mental health, we give others permission to do the same.
Let’s work together to create a Coal Valley community that uplifts, supports, and listens. Stop by the Library to explore mental health resources, browse our collection, or just enjoy a calm and welcoming space.
You’re not alone—and your story matters.
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