Resolution Template
WHEREAS, all citizens of the United States possess the basic human right to the preservation of personal dignity;
WHEREAS, all citizens of the United States deserve the investment of every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being;
WHEREAS, the diagnosis known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was initially formulated in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association to more accurately assess and assist veterans who had endured severe combat stress in Vietnam;
WHEREAS, combat stress is an invisible wound which has historically been unjustly portrayed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw of character or ability, and that the word “disorder” carries a stigma which perpetuates this misconception;
WHEREAS, it has been shown though electro-magnetic imaging that these invisible wounds can cause physical changes to the brain which more accurately describe an injury than a disorder;
WHEREAS, referring to invisible wounds as a disorder can discourage the injured from seeking proper and timely medical treatment;
WHEREAS, referring to invisible wounds as post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) is less stigmatizing and viewed as more honorable, and this designation can favorably influence those affected and encourage them to seek treatment without fear of retribution or shame;
WHEREAS, post-traumatic stress injury can occur following exposure to extremely traumatic events other than combat such as, but not exclusive to: interpersonal violence, life-threatening accidents and natural disasters;
WHEREAS, post-traumatic stress injury satisfying criteria A through H of the diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual deserves disability compensation equal to that allowed for PTSD under the law;
WHEREAS, all citizens suffering post-traumatic stress injuries deserve our compassion and consideration, those brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have received these wounds in operational action against an enemy of the United States further deserve our clear and obvious recognition; and
WHEREAS, timely and appropriate treatment of post-traumatic stress injury can diminish complications and avert suicides:
NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED that the (Senate/House/Assembly):
designates June 27th of each year is designated as (state) Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day;
designates June as (state) Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month;