Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This thread contains excerpts from an article I wrote several years ago at a now defunct web site. That article was titled "PTSD and suicide among law enforcement officers". Please remember as you read the information, PTSD can effect anyone and can be caused by various events. NOTE: I'm not a doctor and this article should not be taken as medical advice. Anyone who is suffering any of the signs or symptoms, or knows someone who is, should seek the advice of a trained and licensed medical provider.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often defined as an anxiety disorder which develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. But don't let the word "anxiety" fool you. Most people hear the words "anxiety attack" and automatically think of someone who is so afraid of something they freeze and can't react. At worse, they think someone has become super paranoid and think everyone is out to get them. While these two situations may be present in someone suffering from PTSD, there are many other signs and symptoms. These include:
- depression
- feelings of guilt and/or shame
- mood swings
- loss of sleep, nightmares, and/or flashbacks
- avoiding talking about the situation
- alcohol and/or drug abuse
- loss of appetite
- changes in relationships with family, friends, co-workers, etc
- loss of interest in normal activities

All of things may occur at the same time or at different times and may be difficult for the person to handle. When two or more of the signs or symptoms occur at the same time, it can be overwhelming and lead to the person to want to end it all. Yes, that's right - some people become so overwhelmed they commit suicide.

PTSD is, first and foremost, a mental condition. This isn't to say anyone suffering from the disorder is crazy. What it means is that the person suffering from PTSD is often not mentally able to handle the condition. It also means the most effective treatments are based in psychology and psychiatry. While not all people choose this route, it's highly recommended at many of the on-line medical web sites. Minor cases, if there are such things, can be overcome by simply talking through the situation with family, friends, or co-workers.

Sounds easy right? Many people suffering from PTSD think they can't talk to anyone about their problem. Why? Because too many people, especially men, think they have to appear to be tough enough to handle their problems by themself. They don't want to be seen as a wimp. Unfortunately, image is often a brick wall they refuse to break down. No one wants to be seen as weak or crazy. Don't play that game. If you need help dealing with the event that caused the PTSD, ask for help until you get it.

The person suffering from PTSD who needs help isn't the only person who needs to take an active part in the diagnosis and treatment. If you have any type of relationship with someone who may be exposed to traumatic situations (police officers, military personnel, etc), learn the signs and symptoms of PTSD. At the first sign of a problem, you need to get that family member, friend, or co-worker talking about it. Some of them will tell you to leave them alone and resent your intrusion, but don't give up. You can help them enough through the rough patches and, in extreme cases, save their life. Isn't that worth having them angry with you for a while?

While it's true some men and women can and do overcome the disorder on their own, don't take that for granted. Most of them can't. Reach out to them. Save a life.

Reminder: I'm not a medical professional. If you or someone you care about is experiencing the signs and symptoms of PTSD, please seek the advice of and help from a trained and certified medical expert.