A call to action: Addressing Black trauma during PTSD Awareness Month

By Mackenzie Williams and Madeline Seck& AFRO Interns& mwilliams@afro.com& mseck@afro.com& Short for post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD is defined as a mental health diagnosis “that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event,” according to the National Center for PTSD.& According to the National Center for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects everyone who survives a traumatic event. Credit: Unsplash / Susan WilkinsonDr. Katina Kennedy, a dual-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, spoke with the AFRO about her own experiences with PTSD and the factors that exacerbate the disorder.“I was robbed when I was in high school gunpoint. I have a bit of PTSD when I go to certain places like a convenience store. My heart rate starts to increase. I get nervous because it reminds me of that traumatic event,” Dr. Kennedy said.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, traumatic experiences can occur for military veterans or as a result of assault or abuse of any kind. The loss of a loved one, natural disasters and more can trigger the disorder, which is highlighted each June. PTSD can be diagnosed when an individual suffers from recurring physical and mental symptoms, such as an increase in...