A simple definition of PTSD given by the Mayo Clinic is that it’s a mental condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. While PTSD was initially identified after veterans from the Vietnam War returned home in tatters, it turns out veterans don’t have the corner on the market to PTSD. Victims of domestic violence, natural disasters, or any frightening event can develop PTSD.
The Veterans Administration has a useful quiz on their website to identify the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. If you’ve been through a devastatingly life-changing event but aren’t a veteran, just mentally omit the word military in the questions below. Do you have
Repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, or images of a stressful military experience?
Repeated, disturbing dreams of a stressful military experience?
Suddenly acting or feeling as if a stressful military experience were happening again (as if you were reliving it)?
Having physical reactions (e.g., heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating) when something reminded you of a stressful military experience?
Avoiding thinking about or talking about a stressful military experience or avoiding having feelings related to it?
Avoiding activities or situations because they reminded you of a stressful military experience?
Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
Feeling emotionally numb or being unable to have loving feelings for those close to you?
Having difficulty concentrating?
Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard?
Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
How to score your answers.
Go to www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-po_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=mentalHealth&contentPage=mh_screening_tools/PTSD_SCREENING for more information
Thankfully, we can take a page from our veterans, and share in their healing. Yoga, acupuncture, exposure therapy, and even music can be a part of the plan. Trauma happens to all of us. But it doesn’t have to last for the rest of our lives.
Today, thank a Veteran for their sacrifices. It’s a small step towards helping them heal.
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1 Comment
MichaelJames
on February 2, 2013 at 12:32 pm
PTSD is a severe anxiety which usually triggered by terrifying event. It’s usually less frequent and more enduring.
PTSD is a severe anxiety which usually triggered by terrifying event. It’s usually less frequent and more enduring.
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