Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The array of symptoms that an individual may develop in response to a traumatic experience, which is usually outside of the typical human familiarity, varies and is often delayed. This is known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who are directly involved or actually present in a disaster, for example the September 2001 attacks, war in Afghanistan or the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, can become exceptionally distressed. Similarly, an individual who has been a witness to a terrible event such as a road accident or physical assault can be emotionally injured and also develop PTSD symptoms.
The diagnosis of PTSD affirms “that there are events and experiences that are beyond our control, and which may fill us with fear or horror, and can cause extremely disturbing psychological symptoms” (Darton, 2011, What is PTSD section). The reactions of the individuals who are suffering from PTSD can critically impede and get in the way of their lives and therefore right diagnosis and therapy are essential for their recovery.
However, not everyone develops PTSD and for those who do, the degrees of PTSD symptoms vary from one individual to another. In the UK, it is said that PTSD affects “30% of people who experience a traumatic event” (“Post-traumatic”, 2011, How common is PTSD? section). Mind, a leading mental health organization in the UK claims that “it’s estimated that up to three per cent of the general population is likely to be affected by PTSD at some point” (Darton, 2011, Why do some people developsection). In the US, the percentage of the population who are likely to have PTSD symptoms is 8% (Long, 2012). Of course, individuals with particular jobs, such as military personnel, are also more likely to develop PTSD.
Studies show that ethnicity, social standing, and even academic achievement also contribute to the development of PTSD in individuals. For instance, in the US, some studies claim that Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to develop PTSD, compared to Whites (Long, 2012). Long (2012) argues that this is so because these ethnic groups are more prone to “experience traumatic events” (Who is most likely to develop PTSD? section). Long cited the Vietnam war as an example, where white military men are less involved in combat than their Black, Hispanic or Native Americans counterpart. Indeed, PTSD does not affect members of society equally. Additional to occupation, culture, ethnic group and social standing are also major factors in the development of PTSD.
Treating PTSD can be successful but requires dedication and exceptional professional help. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), PTSD can be “successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred” (“PTSD-treatment”, 2011, Introduction section). The two main treatments for PTSD are psychotherapy and medication. However it is important to note that what works for one individual, does not necessarily mean that it will work for another, therefore a tailored treatment is necessary for someone who is experiencing PTSD. In the last decade, medical professionals around the world, have been studying and researching mental health issues and stress reactions, specifically amongst military personnel, who have been exposed to traumatic conditions. The lessons learned from these studies and research have helped in the symptom identification and development of treatments for those suffering from the condition.
Society nowadays has come to accept the vulnerability of human beings’ mind. Mental conditions such as PTSD has been understood and accepted as a condition that resulted from exposure to traumatic events. Unfortunately, at some level, there is still a stigma associated with this symptom, especially for the members of the armed forces.
“There is a very real stigma attached to those who seek mental help while in uniform, and the perception of the stigma follows closely behind servicemen and servicewomen as they transition back to civilian life” (Grice, 2012).
According to Lt. Col. Mike Grice (2012) who retired from the Marine Corpes after over 27 years of enlisted commissioned service, the perception and culture of military personnel revolves around strength, resilience and courage and experiencing PTSD is a sign of weakness. Therefore those who are experiencing PTSD are perceived to be weaker and unreliable, by their peers and the public. Furthermore, the media’s role in regularly linking PTSD to violent crimes amongst ex military personnel, even though there is no concrete evidence, contributes to the social stigma that is attached to those who are suffering or who have suffered from PTSD.
“Many service members feel unable to come forward because of the stigma. They fear being seen as weak or unreliable to their fellow soldiers, or that seeking treatment will negatively affect their career” (Ousley, n.d.)
The fact of the matter is, our mind is as brittle as our body and there is only so much that it can take. It is unfortunate that social stigmas are still attached to mental health conditions such as PTSD. However, as the number of individuals who are being diagnosed with PTSD symptoms increases, the further it will be accepted as a condition which is curable which hopefully will erase all stigmas associated with it.
References
Darton, K. (2011). Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from
http://www.mind.org.uk/help/diagnoses_and_conditions/post-traumatic_stress_disorder
Grice, M. (2012, March 16). GRICE: Stigma still attached to PTSD. North County
Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/military/columnists/grice/grice-stigma-stillattached-
to-ptsd/article_5639a06a-f763-5388-b605-e7eed42844fc.html
Long, P.W. (2012). How common is PTSD? Retrieved from
http://www.ptsdsupport.net/totals.html
Post-traumatic stress disorder. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Post-
traumatic-stress-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Post-traumatic stress disorder – treatment. (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Post-traumatic-stress-disorder/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Ousley, J (n.d.). Soldiers Continue to Struggle with Public Perception of PTSD. Retrieved from:
http://www.veteransunited.com/network/soldiers-continue-to-struggle-with-public-
perception-of-ptsd/
