| What
Is Post traumatic Stress Disorder?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, has been long
associated with war veterans. It was called “Shell
Shock” in WWI, “Combat Neurosis”
during WW II, and eventually recognized as an anxiety
disorder by the American Psychiatric Association
and termed PTSD. PTSD usually sets in up to several
months after the most recent trauma, and can last
years or even a lifetime.
What Causes PTSD?
As the name implies, PTSD is caused by trauma. During
war, taking part in and/or witnessing the brutal
and violent acts of battle. However, PTSD can also
be brought on by non-combat acts of brutality or
violence toward combatants or civilians. There are
many PTSD vets who have never been aggressive towards
others, but who may suffer feelings of profound
guilt by mere association with such acts of violence.
In any case, PTSD is clearly triggered by violence
in warfare.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of PTSD?
Re-experiencing traumatic events (obsessive recollections,
flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, nightmares), avoidant
symptoms (fear of being with people), signs of hyper
arousal (easily startled, irritable), avoiding experiences
or people that trigger memories of such event(s),
increased arousal, to include nervousness, over-reaction
to sudden noises, difficulty sleeping (night sweats),
and nightmares, bouts of rage and/or depression,
difficulty relating emotionally to others, feelings
of extreme alienation and meaninglessness, isolation
from others, in extreme cases, persistent thoughts
of murder and-or suicide. Symptoms can take months
or even years to develop.
What Do I Do If I Think I Have PTSD?
PTSD is difficult to recognize, because soldiers
are socialized to believe that admitting to feeling
bad is weak and that seeking professional help is
often viewed negatively and discouraged by the Chain
of Command. The best thing you can do is get yourself
the care you deserve and improve your quality of
life even if there is “peer pressure”
not to. Seek out help from a trained mental health
professional. You can do this on your installation
or through the VA if you are not on active duty.
If you are diagnosed, you should immediately call
1-800-827-1000, and ask to be connected to the Veterans
Administration Regional Office. Once connected,
ask for instructions on how to apply for services
related to PTSD. Do NOT take no for an answer. Depending
on the VA facility, or individual VA employee, you
may be discouraged from filing a claim. Even if
they tell you that you are not entitled, demand
the application paperwork and file it.
What Is The Treatment For PTSD?
Treatment for PTSD involves therapy and sometimes
medication. Medication should be a supplement to
therapy, not the primary mode of care. In addition
to talking to a therapist, you may also have Vets4Vets,
a veterans support group near you, www.vets4vets.us.
Resources
National Gulf War Resource Center
National Center for PTSD
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