Pictured are Clemson mayor J.C. Cook and Mari Noorai.

CLEMSON — Clemson mayor J.C. Cook recently signed a proclamation to promote June 27 as the fourth annual National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day.

The proclamation signed by the mayor focuses attention on a medical condition that needs to be understood since it often affects our service men and women, veterans and victims of physical and sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, accidents and natural or man-made disasters.

The stigma they often suffer needs to be understood and in turn eliminated.

“Many do not realize that PTSD affects twice as many women as it does men, and not just those who serve in combat zones,” said Mari Noorai, who wrote the proclamation.

Statistics show that those who go without treatment are at an increased risk of depression, homelessness, suicide, self-destructive behaviors, drug and alcohol abuse and death.

PTSD affects individuals, families and the community; therefore, awareness helps those who suffer from PTSD.

“Although PTSD leaves no visible scars, the wounds it inflicts are deep,” Noorai said. “Our service men and women and their families sacrifice so much for our country that it is our duty as Americans to support them as they return home, and those who suffer from PTSD need to know that they are not alone, our community cares and we will aid in the healing process.”