POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: WHO IS AT RISK?

You don’t have to be a victim of a traumatic event to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  You may be the person who witnessed a violent act or who has been repeatedly exposed to life-threatening situations.  Traumatic events may include:

·         Combat exposure

·         Rape or sexual assault or abuse

·         Children who are neglected or sexually, physically, or verbally abused, or adults who were abused as children

·         Physical attack or being threatened with a weapon

Other traumatic events that may lead to PTSD include fire, natural disaster, major catastrophic events such as a car accident, plane crash or terrorist act, physical assault such as mugging, robbery or carjacking, kidnapping, diagnosis with a life-threatening illness, other random acts of violence such as those that take place in public, in schools, or in the workplace.

A person with PTSD may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.  At times the mind will use a coping mechanism that does not allow you to consciously remember the trauma.  However, the subconscious mind retains the details and will continue to react to them until treatment occurs.  PTSD can be very disruptive and make daily tasks difficult or impossible to complete. 

Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority, CEO, Scott Gilman states “PTSD is treatable, but it is imperative for survivors to take the steps to get help.  You do not have to suffer in silence.  Receiving treatment soon after symptoms develop may prevent long-term PTSD.”  There are programs available to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate those who have PTSD.  It is important to remember there is no set time for healing.  Everyone’s healing journey varies based on desire, determination and access to help.  Therefore healing can take as little as one month or as long as a few years.  If you believe you are experiencing PTSD, contact your family doctor or Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority.

MENTAL ILLNESS PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION

Safeguarding you and your loved ones’ quality of life is extremely important during tough economic times.  Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) can be your lifeline to lead a healthy life.  Taking steps to control stress and boost low self-esteem may help keep your mental health symptoms under control. Mental illness prevention and early intervention begins with recognizing the warning signs, such as: 

·        Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others

·        An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks

·        Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain

·        Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations

·        Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity; apathy

·        A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality

·        Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult

·        Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling

·        Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior

·        Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or deterioration in personal hygiene

·        Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or “mood swings.”

If you or your loved one are experiencing these warning signs, talk to your doctor or contact SCCMHA for an assessment by our team of professionals by calling 989.723.6791 or 800.622.4514.  When diagnosed early, mental illness is easier to treat and can prevent a possible relapse of symptoms.  Additionally, it is extremely important to take care of yourself by getting adequate sleep, participating in routine physical activity and eating healthy. Get the help when you need it.   Together we can establish a treatment plan and improve your quality of life.