Kathryn Brogan
June 4
With June being National PTSD Awareness Month, it is a perfect time to shine a light on something that affects more people than we often realize. Here in Montana, we value toughness and self-reliance, but sometimes that can mean we keep quiet about our struggles. The truth is, PTSD doesn’t only affect soldiers or first responders (though it certainly can). It can impact anyone, your neighbor, your friend, your child, or even you — after going through something traumatic.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can show up in ways that aren’t always obvious. It might look like someone avoiding things they used to enjoy, feeling jumpy or irritable, struggling to sleep, or having nightmares. For kids and teens, it can come out as mood swings, trouble at school, or acting out. And for all of us, it can make daily life feel heavier and more disconnected from our peers and family.
The good news? There’s real help — and real hope.
At AWARE, we work with Montanans of all ages to not just treat PTSD, but to help folks build fuller, more meaningful lives. That starts with a proper assessment — sitting down with someone who listens, understands, and can help untangle what is going on. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, our team is here to walk with you, not just diagnose you.
We use evidence-based treatments you’re probably familiar with, like therapy and medication when needed, but we also look at the big picture and help you as a whole person. That means helping people reconnect with the things that make life worth living — supportive relationships, meaningful work or purpose, time in nature, movement, nutrition, and creative expression. We rely on a positive psychiatry approach (which is also based on good science, by the way) to not just focus on what’s “wrong,” but building on what’s strong. For those who need more support (like medical care or psychiatric support), we don’t just prescribe a pill, but rather, our providers employ a lifestyle medicine philosophy that addresses nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances. Our service model also relies on social prescribing, helping people connect to community resources like art classes, support groups, or outdoor activities, to help folks re-engage in life after a setback. Healing doesn’t just happen in a doctor’s office. It happens in community, in connection, and in finding your place again.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait to reach out. Start with a conversation. You can explore our services, from outpatient therapy and psychiatric care to school-based supports and in-home services, at www.aware-inc.org. We’re here for individuals, families, and kids across Montana — from Billings to Missoula, Great Falls to Glendive, and the many small towns in between.
Let’s keep talking about PTSD. Let’s make space for healing. And let’s support each other in living not just symptom-free lives, but meaningful, vibrant ones.
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