Today will become a day for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and to help raise awareness and educate the public.

PTSD is a disorder that can affect anyone at anytime and it is usually experienced by those who have witnessed or lived through a traumatic or terrifying incident.

The passing of Bill 206, which is the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day Act will enable Alberta to have events and programs aimed at educating residents and removing the stigma.

Nicole Goehring, MLA of Edmonton and Castledown and sponsor of Bill 206, said a lot of stigma still surrounds PTSD.

"Because it's associated with mental health, there's still such a far way to go with identifying mental health and something that people have and it's okay. Being impacted by PTSD is something that could happen to anybody."

Goehring believes having a day dedicated to PTSD Awareness will give help to those who need it.

"It creates a conversation and it allows people to start talking about the stigma surrounding PTSD, the symptoms, the resources. People have been talking about it and unfortunately, it hasn't been in the forefront of the minds of most Albertans," she said.

Some of the symptoms include abrupt mood changes, depression, flashbacks, etc.

Goehring added if you or someone you know may have PTSD, there are many support groups that can help out.

"They could reach out, talk to their family physician. There is also a website through Alberta Health Services that has some great resources," she said.

Some additional resources for those with PTSD can be found on the My Health Alberta website.