Jack Bergman: “I am honored to lead this Special Order today to discuss post-traumatic growth. I repeat: Post-traumatic growth. June is…”

“I am honored to lead this Special Order today to discuss post-traumatic growth. I repeat: Post-traumatic growth. June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and today, June 27, is National PTSD Awareness Day. Post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that impacts far too many members of the communities that we love and serve and especially among those who have served in uniform. Raising awareness of PTSD has helped in our efforts to reduce stigma, recognize the struggles faced by many, and encourage those in need to seek help. However, it is also critical that we balance the story we tell about times of struggle and trauma. For far too long, society has focused exclusively on the negative impacts of trauma and struggle and pushed a narrative dominated by ideas of dysfunction, disorder, and diagnosis. This language can feel debilitating, a label far too heavy to carry. The result is we are left feeling permanently diminished and damaged and victims of the worst experiences of our lives. It is time to change the conversation, to shine a light on the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma and how struggle can be a catalyst, a positive catalyst, for profound growth and transformation. Last year, in partnership with the Boulder Crest Foundation, I introduced H. Res. 496, a resolution to proclaim June 13 as National Post-Traumatic Growth Day.…”