Honoring the Invisible Wounds:
Why PTSD Awareness Matters
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to pause and recognize the deep and lasting impact of trauma – especially among those who have served our country.
At Sprezzatura, we’re proud to support the Department of Veterans Affairs and their mission to care for those who’ve borne the battle. For us, PTSD Awareness Month isn’t just a calendar observance, it’s a reflection of the very heart of the work we do.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it affects roughly 6% of U.S. adults over their lifetime, the prevalence is dramatically higher among Veterans.
- 11–20% of Veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are estimated to experience PTSD each year.
- Among Vietnam Veterans, that number is about 15%, and 12% among Gulf War Veterans.
- Since 2001, more than 500,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD.
These are not just numbers – this data represents lives filled with unseen battles, courage, and the complex journey of healing.
Symptoms can include:
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- Sleep disruption
- Anxiety or hypervigilance
- Emotional numbness or withdrawal
And yet, with the right support, recovery is possible. The VA reports that evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) show success rates between 60–80% when consistently applied.
Why This Matters to Us
As an SDVOSB company on a mission to support VA systems, programs, and technology, we know our work doesn’t just touch software or systems – it touches lives.
We are not just executing contracts when we streamline benefits delivery, improve access to mental health services, and reduce friction for care teams. We help deliver dignity, access, and healing to Veterans and their families.
This work is personal and purposeful. It demands our empathy, precision, and awareness every step of the way.
What We Can Do
Here’s how we can honor PTSD Awareness Month through our roles, both as professionals and as people:
- Educate Ourselves
The VA provides powerful public resources at www.ptsd.va.gov. Learning the signs, treatments, and stigma surrounding PTSD helps us design more thoughtful systems and services.
- Lead with Empathy
Whether we’re designing tech solutions, gathering requirements, or attending meetings, assume there’s more going on beneath the surface. Treat every stakeholder interaction with dignity and care.
- Support the Mission, Not Just the Contract
At Sprezzatura, we don’t just ask, “Did we deliver?” We ask, “Did we make it easier for Veterans to get the care they deserve?”
Final Word
The VA is the largest provider of PTSD care in the U.S., and more than 1.25 million Veterans received VA mental health services in 2023. Thanks to advancements in telehealth and digital modernization, the VA is making care more accessible than ever, especially for rural and underserved Veterans.
At Sprezzatura, we often emphasize results over buzzwords. This month, let’s ensure those results are rooted in purpose and compassion.
To every veteran living with PTSD – we see you, we respect you, and we are committed to building a world where your care is seamless, dignified, and strong.