Health
post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)
symptoms, causes, treatment of this anxiety disorder
The national Institute of mental health
states that post-traumatic stress disorder
is one of the five most recognized types of
mental disorders. PTSD was originally identified
as a post war syndrome due to the number of
returning military veterans having this condition.
It’s interesting that many mental health care
professionals consider stress disorder, an illness,
condition or disorder at all. It seems that if a
person who had experienced a very disturbing,
unsettling or emotional event was NOT affected
by it, they should be considered the one with
a mental disorder. Post-traumatic stress is
associated with experiencing a potentially lifethreatening
situation, either directly or by proxy.
A good example of this is the collective traumatic
stress experienced by the United States Just after
the World Trade Center Bombing. The people
inside the buildings were naturally affected.
PTSD however, expanded out and affected not
only the whole city of New York, but many people
throughout the country Stress disorder can be
characterized as an emotional roller coaster.
The fear and shell shock feeling a just going
through a significant life-threatening event can
be devastating. These events may include being
directly in a physically dangerous situation, such
as a fire, automobile accident is or even natural
disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane.
Other situations such as physical assault, rape,
mugging, threats in your life, along with personal
property assault such as thefts and breaking into
your home can all lead to posttraumatic stress.
Moving on with your life is very difficult while
under the influence of traumatic stress. This is
made even more difficult as many who suffer
from PTSD may not have directly experienced
the emotional situation. Simply watching the
devastation of a natural event such as a hurricane
can loosen the emotional tethers for many. The
realization that situations happen that have the
possibility of affecting your survival or that of your
loved ones can be difficult to balance against the
rarity of the situation. There are several treatment
methods used to help control posttraumatic
stress. Most PTSD sufferers regained their
emotional equilibrium over time. Some however,
may need ongoing cognitive therapy, counseling
and even medication to continue to be able
to complete life’s daily routines. Although far
from being just a condition limited to returning
war veterans, posttraumatic stress disorder is a
growing problem in our modern-day world. If you
suspect that a loved one is suffering from PTSD,
get professional psychological help.
By Ricky Hussey
8 WomanToWomanMagazine.com
/WomanToWomanMagazine.com
