June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), support those affected, and encourage access to treatment and recovery.
As an attorney with Althauser Rayan Abbarno and a State Representative serving Southwest Washington, I have seen firsthand how traumatic experiences can change lives. While many people associate PTSD with military service, PTSD can affect anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This includes victims of serious motor vehicle collisions, workplace injuries, domestic violence, sexual assault, violent crime, child abuse, natural disasters, and other traumatic incidents.
PTSD is a real and often misunderstood medical condition. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, emotional withdrawal, and heightened reactions to stress. These invisible injuries can affect relationships, careers, physical health, and overall quality of life.
In my legal practice, I have represented individuals whose lives were forever changed by serious injuries and traumatic events. While physical injuries may heal over time, emotional trauma can linger long after visible wounds have disappeared. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and violent crime often face significant emotional and psychological challenges that deserve the same attention and care as physical injuries. Recognizing these invisible injuries is an important step toward healing and recovery.
As a legislator, I have worked to improve awareness of PTSD and expand access to treatment and support services.
One example is House Bill 1002, legislation I introduced to recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by county coroners and medical examiners. These professionals are often called to the scenes of fatal accidents, homicides, suicides, and other traumatic events. In smaller communities like many in Southwest Washington, the tragedy can be even more personal. A coroner or medical examiner may arrive at a scene involving a friend, neighbor, coworker, or even a family member. Repeated exposure to trauma can have lasting mental health consequences, and those who serve our communities in these difficult roles deserve recognition and support.
I also introduced House Bill 2430 to restore the Crime Victim Penalty Assessment for offenders convicted of crimes against people. The penalty assessment helps fund services for crime victims, including victims of assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent offenses. Many survivors experience PTSD and other long-term emotional injuries. Ensuring resources are available for counseling, advocacy, and recovery services is an important part of helping victims rebuild their lives.
This year, I also voted in favor of House Bill 2405, which established a pilot program through the Department of Labor and Industries to improve access to PTSD treatment and research. The legislation allows eligible workers filing PTSD occupational disease claims to receive mental health evaluations and treatment while claims are being reviewed. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes and help individuals receive support when they need it most.
Washington State has made important progress in recognizing PTSD among first responders and other professionals who routinely encounter traumatic events. Over the past several years, lawmakers have expanded PTSD protections for firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, public safety telecommunicators, and certain healthcare workers. These efforts reflect a growing understanding that mental health deserves the same attention and respect as physical health.
Whether PTSD develops after responding to an emergency, surviving a violent crime, escaping domestic violence, experiencing a catastrophic collision, or enduring a traumatic workplace incident, early intervention and treatment matter.
During PTSD Awareness Month, let us continue working to reduce stigma, encourage treatment, support victims, and expand access to care. By recognizing PTSD and addressing invisible injuries with compassion and understanding, we can help individuals, families, and communities heal and thrive. Mental health is health, and no one should have to suffer in silence.
