PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is rapidly becoming an epidemic in our culture. Although we have known about it for years, it has come to the forefront as do so many other disorders we don't fully understand, with the increased military presence all over the world.
According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is defined as, "...a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event."
With the advent of recognition for this disorder affecting more current service people, many veterans from as far back as the Vietnam conflict, the Korean war, and even World War II have come forward with their struggles due to events they experienced while serving our country. As with so many of these disorders, for years people just assumed that this was just the reality of fighting in a war. It was an expected outcome from this pressure cooker of a life in the service. Many people, including health professionals treated it as something for which the person just needed to "get over", or "move on". But with so many recent veterans coming forward there has been an increased awareness of the disorder, and an increased desire to find appropriate treatments to better fight this debilitating disease that affects over 5 million people annually.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this affliction also affects non military personnel as well. Many people who have struggled through the loss of a loved one, or any traumatic event deal with this disorder on a daily basis as well.
While there are many treatments currently offered to address this horribly painful condition, there has not been a clear medical breakthrough that distinguishes itself from the other forms of treatment. Many people just trudge through life fighting this painful battle alone.
If you know of someone, a loved one, a friend, that suffers with this condition, I urge you to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. There are many resources out there that can help you get the ball rolling. Just search the internet and you will find copious amounts of information regarding the diagnosis and treatment options for this disorder. I have include a few links below to get you started.
In closing, I want to just say thanks to all of the veterans who have served, and died so bravely for the freedoms we enjoy today. And let's not forget the soldiers who may not have lost their lives on the battlefield, but may be at a heightened risk because of PTSD. I salute you all, and pray for you to be able to get the help you need, and know that the people of this country have your back this time.
This is the National Center for PTSD:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/
This is the Mayo Clinic site:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/definition/con-20022540
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