June 27th is the National PTSD Awareness Day. It is a day to recognize the effects that PTSD has on the lives of everyone affected by it. This day was chosen in 2010 by the United States following then-Sen. Kent Conrad’s efforts to designate a day of awareness as a tribute to Army Staff Sgt. Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard. After his second tour of duty in the Iraq War, Biel suffered from PTSD and took his life in April 2007. Biel’s birthday, June 27, was chosen to mark PTSD Awareness Day and honor his memory.
What is PTSD?
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was once thought to only be relevant to men and women who had been through military combat. However, it is increasingly seen in individuals who have been through violent crime, natural disasters like earthquakes, or other catastrophic event (traumatic death of a loved one, sexual assault, car accident, etc).
According to PTSD United, 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. Of those, 20% are likely to develop PTSD. Women are about twice as likely as men to receive the diagnosis (perhaps due to seeking out treatment more readily). At any given moment, about 8% of the US adult population is struggling with PTSD. That's an estimation of almost 25 million - equivalent to the population of Texas!
PTSD Symptoms
Typically, PTSD is an appropriate diagnosis when someone has experienced of witnessed significant violence (or the threat of violence), or becomes aware that a close friend or family member has suffered such an event. You may have nightmares about it, and have a hard time not thinking about it during the day. Things that previously were neutral or positive seem to made you upset or remind you of what happened (sounds, images, or smells make you feel like you are back in the traumatic situation).
You may work really hard to avoid being reminded of it. Perhaps you quit going to certain places, or doing specific activities that remind you. This can really shrink your world and increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Your mood is likely to be rather sour overall - you seem to have lost your joy and lightness, and everything feels negative and gloomy. Irritability is an extremely common part of the picture - maybe you are losing your temper a lot more, over relatively minor things.
You might have trouble sleeping as a part of you tries to stay on guard against future danger. Chronic muscle tension and being easily startled are another sign of your body being on high alert.
With safety being your mind's top priority, you may also have little energy left over to be able to concentrate and pay attention the way you used to. Others may misinterpret this as you not caring to remember what they have said.
What to do if someone you care about has PTSD
First, one of the best things you can do is maintain honest communication with them. Let them know you care about them and notice they are different with you in certain ways. They need to know that you will support them and will partner with them in managing the various ways PTSD is affecting them and you. Although there is often a reluctance to talk openly about emotional topics, ignoring it is like trying to ignore the elephant in the room. Acknowledging the reality of what you are both going through is a vital piece of getting better.
Additionally, educate yourself about PTSD and its treatments. Reading this article is a good start in developing PTSD awareness! Knowing that your loved one is not "just being a jerk" or "never has fun with us anymore" but struggling with PTSD is a huge step in working towards a better relationship. In fact, they may not yet understand what they are going through and are likely blaming themselves for not being who they used to be. Reaching out in support can lessen their burden of unfair guilt.
You can find additional resources for learning about PTSD here:
- National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH)
- National Center for PTSD (US Dept of Veterans Affairs).
- American Psychiatric Association (APA)
- American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress – aaets.org/crisishotline.htm (Locate your state and call the associated number).
- Veterans Crisis Line – (800) 273-8255 – veteranscrisisline.net/
Professional Help
Whether you have PTSD or care for someone who does, your life is undoubtedly affected. You may benefit from the help of a licensed counselor, support group, or treatment center. Depending on your specific needs, the use of medication may also be appropriate.
Every individual is unique, and every situation is different—the important thing is recognizing that you are not alone in discovering an approach that works for you.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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