Sam BechtelTech and Assess of HES course

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS

DISORDER(PTSD)

Is a psychiatric condition following the experience of a life-threatening event.

WHAT IS IT?

Military CombatNatural DisastersAssaultIncidentsAccidentsHospitalizations

for the treatment following life-threatening diseases

EXAMPLES

When someone suff ers an ep isode they can exper ience a l l d iff erent symptoms.

Some of wh ich inc lude re l iev ing t rauma in some way such as :

Rel iev ing t rauma Stay ing away f rom

people or th ings that remind them of the t rauma

Feel ings o f s tart l ing eas i ly

PTSD EPISODE

Symptoms have to be ongoing for at least for one month in order to be considered PTSD symptoms

DIAGNOSIS

Extreme Fears IsolationSuicideDepression

ISSUES ASSOCIATED W/PTSD

7.8% of Americans will experience PTSD some point in their lives.

Women are twice as likely as men to experience it

3.6% of U.S. adults ages 18-54 have PTSD in a given year, 5.2 million people.

30% of people who experience war time experience PTSD.

HOW COMMON?

PTSD.gov/2007 Nebraska Department of Veteran Aff airs.

Symptoms, treatment, and self help/Melinda Smith M.A. & Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. December 2014

OVERVIEW OF PTSD

Gulit, blame, shame Irritiablity and agressionSubstance abuseDepression/hoplessnessAlienated and alonePhysical aches and pains Mistrust or betrayal feelings

SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS

Separation AnxietySkill lossFlashback nightmaresAches and Pains-no cause Irritability and aggressionNew phobias and anxieties

SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS

Seeking help right away if you suspect someone or yourself may be suff ering from PTSD

PTSD symptoms can change family life Symptoms can be related to other health

issues/concerns

SEEK HELP

MedicationFamily TherapyTrauma-Focused Behavioral TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Treatment for PTSD

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Reaching out to others for support It’s a process ongoing, healing won’t happen

overnightAvoid alcohol and drugs Knowing your not aloneSeeking help is a sign of strength not weaknessChallenge your sense of helplessness

HEALING PROCESS

Learn about PTSD-self-educate Join a PTSD support GroupConfide in a person you trustAvoid alcohol and drugsExercisePractice relaxation methods

SUGGESTIONS

Millions are suff erers just in the U.S.Coming to get support for yourself or another is

strength, never weakness

PTSD suff ering

YOUR NEVER ALONE AS A SUFFERER

Treatment is vital in the healing process to overcome any further damage already mentally occurring.

IMPORTANCE OF TREATMENT

Earlier traumatic experiences

Family History Substance AbuseDepression, anxiety, or

another mental illnessHigh levels of stress in

everyday lifeLack of coping and

support following trauma

RISK FACTORS

Normal responses to trauma can lead to PTSD

After a traumatic event the body and mind are in shock

Psychological mind stress and fears

PTSD VS. NORMAL RESPONSE TO TRAUMA

Take time to give your mind a rest, literately

Avoid technology and strain on the eyes

Avoiding alcohol and drugsGetting plenty of sleepFind ways to blow off steam,

such as exercising or talking with someone you trust

COPING WITH SYMPTOMS

Counseling Center on College CampusesMilitary Base Counseling CentersHospitalsHotline number

PTSD, WHERE TO GET HELP