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During World War Two, a strange phenomenon called “Battle
Fatigue” affected many veterans after they returned home from
combat zones in Europe and the Pacific. Today, we know this
condition to be “post traumatic stress disorder”. Back then,
returning veterans didn’t talk about it, because discussing
these worrisome symptoms suggested weakness or cowardice.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical disorder
that can occur to anyone after experiencing an extremely
stressful situation. Soldiers aren’t the only ones to suffer
from this condition. Natural disaster survivors, as well as
those who have experienced and survived attacks and accidents,
also suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. More than 5
million adults are affected by this disorder every year. Twice
as many women are affected than men. Post traumatic stress
disorder wasn’t even understood until the 1970’s. Many
sufferers were diagnosed as having stress or battle fatigue,
given medication and sent home. After the recent involvement of
the United States military personnel in the Middle East and
Iraq, the condition has grown more common.
A victim may experience one of many symptoms: A flashback or
nightmare. Reaction to situations or events that trigger a
powerful emotional or physical response. A feeling of
detachment, loss of interest in activities or a lack of
positive emotion. Avoidance of anything (activities, people or
situations) associated with the trauma. Difficulty sleeping,
irritability and exaggerated responses to being startled.
Many people exhibit roller coaster feelings or emotions after a
traumatic experience, but for most, such symptoms normally fade
after a few weeks. Nevertheless, recognizing the early signs
and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder is important, as
it can incur long-lasting consequences for those who suffer from
it. Physiological changes that occur in victims have a brutal
affect on both neurobiological functions such as memory, as
well as fear-response reactions. Seeping habits and the ability
to deal with any stress can be disrupted. Physical complaints
can range from headaches, to immune system disruption,
debilitating pain, and in some cases, asthma.
Depression and a sense of growing anxiety can lead to phobias,
panic attacks and behavioral changes. If you feel that someone
you know is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, it’s
extremely important that he or she get help. It will not go away
by itself. Anyone who has been diagnosed and is trying to
recover needs the help of family, friends and medical personnel
to combat this invisible, yet dehabilitating condition. Post
traumatic stress disorder is not in the victim’s head, and
should be taken very seriously.
About The Author: Linda Woods is a freelance writer and radio
talk show host with a focus on healing, self-help and
empowerment. Get all the latest information about stress relief
at http://www.saygoodbyetostress.com. Be sure to check out our
post traumatic stress disorder pages.
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