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"I will carry no weapon, because I am not afraid - but I miss my rifle everyday."

"Being not-dead makes decisions and actions imperative. It's not me who caused the war to kill my brothers. It's not me who hides behind yellow car magnets, or picket signs; not me who asserts that we may not discuss war until it's over and the dead are counted and stacked - or that moral justice demands irrational emotional reaction. Those protestations are earned for (not by) the privileged many; earned lately by the 2000 men and women who authentically learned what it is like to leave it all on the field."

 - Sergeant Jack Lewis on return from Iraq.

 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 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. Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.

Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.

   The Price Of Freedom Is Written On the Wall

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within three months of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships.

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions.

Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

  • Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

  • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

  • Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event

  • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event

Avoidance

Symptoms of avoidance may include:

  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event

  • Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

  • Negative feelings about yourself or other people

  • Inability to experience positive emotions

  • Feeling emotionally numb

  • Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

  • Hopelessness about the future

  • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships

Questions about combat stress? Call or chat the DCoE Outreach Center 24/7: 866-966-1020 or http://j.mp/RWlivechat

Changes in emotional reactions

Symptoms of changes in emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

  • Always being on guard for danger

  • Overwhelming guilt or shame

  • Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Being easily startled or frightened

Intensity of symptoms

PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time. You may have more PTSD symptoms when you're stressed in general, or when you run into reminders of what you went through. For example, you may hear a car backfire and relive combat experiences. Or you may see a report on the news about a sexual assault and feel overcome by memories of your own assault.

When to see a doctor

If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you feel you're having trouble getting your life back under control, talk to your health care professional. Get treatment as soon as possible to help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.

If you have suicidal thoughts

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, get help right away through one or more of these resources:

  • Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

  • Contact a minister, a spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.

  • Call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

  • Make an appointment with your doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional.

When to get emergency help

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you know someone who's in danger of committing suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room

Vietnam War In Pictures Helicopter

For the General Public and Care Giver; Understanding PTSD Video

Resources:

 

The Video below points out the reality of PTSD and it's consequences ~
a must watch...

 


 

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