ILLIAMS The term PTSD typically points our thoughts to people who have been in combat, and that would be true for some. You might be surprised that there are many other kinds of life experiences that can cause disorder beyond those experiencing combat.
• PTSD is a mental health stress response to experiencing or witnessing any traumatic or terrifying life event. Anyone can develop PTSD.
• Both children and adults can encounter PTSD. Children are particularly vulnerable because their brains and coping skills are not fully developed.
• Types of traumas that trigger PTSD include bad car or motorcycle accidents, witnessing OR being a part of any type of violence, sexual, verbal, mental or physical assault, having a job in which you see or encounter violent or traumatic events, natural disasters or growing up in a particularly violent neighborhood or family environment.
The body has a natural response to traumatic events which may include:
• Heart rate increase and elevated anxiety.
Magnified senses and emo tions. Difficulty sleeping or trou ble settling after the event.
These normal responses are meant to be temporary and usually subside. Persistent symptoms for a month or more or symptoms that re-surface down the road, may point to a diagnosis of PTSD. It’s very possible for two people in the same event to react very differently.
Symptoms vary widely by individual and type of trauma.
They may feel detached or alone, often lose interest in activities they used to love, or have angry outbursts or be irritable and unsettled.
Some may feel worried, guilty, scared or be hyper-vigilant or get startled easily in certain situations. Chaotic, loud, or crowded environments may be challenging.
Concentration and memory issues are also common. Some experience flashbacks or night mares and have a harder time developing and sustaining relationships. And still others may have physical pain. Everyone is different. Intensity or whether there is a response may be determined by victims’ perspective, length of the event or relationship of victim to offender, Diagnosis and Progress in Treatment.
The disorder diagnosis was only recently defined. Anxiety or depression were common diag- nosis. Doctors now have defined symptoms and a variety of medications and forms of treatments.
There is no way to remove a traumatic event from someone’s life experience, however, people suffering from PTSD can be treated and go on to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
