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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Helping Family With PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a complex condition that develops in response to a terrifying event or series of events.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a complex condition that develops in response to a terrifying event or series of events. Trauma affects people in different ways. For most, the pain fades over time, but for some, the pain just won’t go away.

In general terms 70% of the population will have a traumatic event happen to them in their lifetime. About 20% will go on to develop PTSD.

For members of the armed forces these percentages are slightly higher especially for those people in combat operations – arguably 75% of military personnel will have a traumatic event happen to them during their career. About 25% will go on to develop PTSD.

The condition affects men and women of all ages. Women are twice as likely as men to get PTSD – but also at increased risk are of course military personnel, firefighters, police, paramedics, healthcare professionals, and people who survive the sudden death of a loved one.

PTSD is a response by normal people to an abnormal situation. The traumatic events that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder are usually so overwhelming and frightening that they would upset anyone. When your sense of safety and trust are shattered, it’s normal to feel crazy, disconnected, or numb – and most people do – but the cruel disparity is the hugely increased risk that first responders and medical professionals have. They are the ones who are supposed to have it all together, who are depended upon to keep their cool. The only difference between people who go on to develop PTSD and those who don’t is how they cope with the trauma.

Symptoms of of stress and/or PTSD may include:

• Re-experiencing the event


• Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb


• Inability to sleep


• Nightmares and intrusive thoughts


• Physical chronic pain, stomach problems, headaches


• Trouble eating, or overeating


• Irritability or outbursts of anger


• Feeling jumpy and easily startled


• Substance abuse


• Guilt, shame, or self-blame

Complications may arise from not addressing the intrusive thought patterns. It’s natural and even common after a traumatic event to replay the scene over and over again in your mind. The real risk develops only if you don’t talk about it.

When you try to push a thought out of your mind, the thought comes back with increased power. If you are told not to think of a pink elephant, you might try as hard as you like, but in most cases the elephant will sneak into your thoughts. It’s simply a function of the brain.

Many professionals in hazardous workplaces, like firefighters, police, and healthcare professionals who have PTSD are fine on the job, but their relationships and family ties suffer. Many do not even realize that they have PTSD, and may think that they are weak, or that something is wrong with them that they don’t want to confess.

Help is Right in Front of You

If you are having trouble getting over a traumatic event, you may be wondering if you are cut out for the job or if there is something wrong with you. The truth is, everyone has feelings of fear and anxiety in the face of trauma. The difference is how you cope.

Some of the best ways to cope with a traumatic event:

• TALK TO SOMEONE. This is the single most important thing that you can do to prevent the depression and fear from reoccurring. One more time: TALK TO SOMEONE.




• If you can’t talk to family or friends, find someone at your job that you can talk to, whether it’s a colleague, superior, or other team member. Utilize your resources. Chances are, they have been there, too.




• Get exercise. If you can’t talk about it right away, exercise is scientifically proven to reduce stress levels and relax you. However, exercise is not a cure-all. If you’re reluctant to seek help, keep in mind that PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and the only way to overcome it is to confront what happened to you and learn to accept it as part of your past. Telling your story over and over again will help fear and stress from the event.

Helpful Resources:

Samaritans Homepage: If you ever feel really down and pessimistic, in spite of what you might think, these people will speak to you about anything you want, even if it’s not what’s bothering you.

Self-Injury & Related Issues (SIARI)

Combat Stress The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, Combat Stress, exists to serve men and women. For over 80 years, it has been the only services charity specialising in helping those of all ranks from the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy suffering from psychological disability as a result of their service.

Help For Heroes does wonderful work for soldiers and other servicemen and women both directly and through its support of other service charities.

Asking for Assurances that PTSD and Other Concerns Are Recognised and Dealt With

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