PTSD Awareness
What is PTSD?
by Chelsea Young, Unspoken Voices Contributor
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychological disorder in which an person has suffered an extreme trauma such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault that has left a lasting impression on that person's psyche. Many people believe that PTSD affects are limited to war veterans who served in combat, however any person can suffer from this ailment. 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime, with women being twice as likely to have PTSD than men.
PTSD causes intense and disruptive thoughts and emotions that are triggered by things related to a person's original trauma. These thoughts can include panic attacks, vivid flashbacks, nightmares, overwhelming sadness, fear, or anger, and may cause a person to feel detached from normal society. The triggers of these reactions can range from simple loud noises, being in similar locations as the original trauma, all the way to hearing certain words or songs or being touched in public setting. These reactions are uncontrollable and can often be wildly unpredictable.
If you think you or someone close to you is suffering with PTSD, please contact your preferred medical professional to seek treatment. You are not alone in your suffering, and there are options for you.
For more information, visit:
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/treatment