PTSD

By definition, PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. For the most part and what society is used to hearing is that PTSD is associated with the military. A vast majority of veterans have come home with this disorder, many have gone undiagnosed, homeless, and having to face the ramifications of PTSD on their own. Holidays such as the 4th of July have an aching affect on veterans, homeless or not, due to the loud bangs of firework celebrations. Loud sounds such as fireworks when heard by vets with PTSD will mentally send them for cover, as thought the loud sounds takes them back to when they were in battle; the load sounds from gun fire and missiles are what vets are feeling rather than logically knowing at the time they are hearing fireworks.

As studies have shown, veterans aren't the only people who suffer from PTSD. Anyone of us can acquire this disorder and it only takes one traumatizing event. Traumatic car crashes where a person is killed can cause another involved in said crash to, over time, acquire the symptoms of PTSD. A woman who is sexually assaulted in her own home, by an ally, or at a friend's house can also acquire symptoms of this disorder.

The examples of who and how PTSD is acquired can go on. The examples I have given are just the beginning of what is or can turn out to be an epidemic. Thus far I have seen a great many veterans turn to homelessness due to being undiagnosed and treated for this disorder. I have yet to see the statistics on the number of suicides from the overwhelming power that PTSD has taken with people who suffer from it on a daily basis.

Natural disasters, such as tornados or the two recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida, can cause PTSD. Not only were many lives lost in both tragedies, but both hurricanes left behind an enormous mess. In Texas there are a couple of neighborhoods close to a chemical dumping ground. At this time the EPA states the area is not safe at all due to the chemical leakage stemming from hurricane Harvey. Irma's rage on Florida wasn't any better. The Florida keys were pretty much wiped out as well as many deaths at a nursing home due to the A/C going out with no generator as a back up.

As you can see, PTSD can affect anyone from veterans to everyday people who go through horrific experiences. All it takes is one battle in another country, natural disaster, rape, or car crash for an individual to feel the affects of PTSD. Question is though, why aren't medical teams across the country doing anything to better their field and care for those who have PTSD. Yes, it does need to be diagnosed first. However, why not stay on top of it? Why not look for any and all solutions to assist those who desperately need the help to get their PTSD under control?

I'm sure the questions can go on and on. For now I am content, not happy, but content with the start of it. For some who have been diagnosed with PTSD they are either on medications, have a service dog specifically trained for the signs and symptoms of PTSD, or both. That's a start for sure; just wish the medical field would get a better handle on it than what is provided now.

Until then my friends, take great care of your mental health. At any time if you or anyone with whom you know starts to slip mentally, please seek help and have yourself checked for PTSD. Your health and the health of everyone around you is important.