By Christine Leccese
Imagine not being able to enter crowded spaces, drive in certain conditions, or smell some scents without experiencing a terrifying physical and mental response. Imagine feeling emotionally numb, being prone to violent outbursts, or suffering haunting and frequent nightmares. This is what life is like for the estimated 7.7 million people in the United States with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Although the symptoms differ, everyone who experiences PTSD struggles, and many do not seek treatment. In fact, although up to 20 percent of service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD, almost two-thirds of them don’t seek treatment. In honor of PTSD Awareness Day, Military Pathways is encouraging people to take a free, online, anonymous mental health self-assessment at www.militarymentalhealth.org.
PTSD in the Media
Posttraumatic stress disorder seems to be getting almost as much press as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan themselves. The condition has garnered so much attention and debate in the past six months that one would think it was something new. The media buzz has included:
- Whether PTSD was to blame for a high-profile mass murder.
- Dr. Phil calling a veteran with PTSD a “monster.”
- Experts debating whether to consider posttraumatic stress a “disorder” or an “illness.”
- Dogs who help people with PTSD.
- Whether PTSD is contributing to military suicides.
While some in the military worry that all the focus on PTSD is too much negative press, I think any attention is helpful. The more we talk about PTSD, the more we will bring it out of the shadows. And the more people talk about it, the easier it will be for people who suffer from it to take a screening and reach out for treatment.
With all the attention on PTSD in the military, it’s also important to remember that combat is not the only thing that can cause PTSD.
Of course, there still are veterans who come home from war and ignore symptoms. It’s human nature. We all want to be able to shrug something off and tell ourselves it’s not a problem. Just a good night’s sleep or a few days of relaxation will do the trick, we tell ourselves. Unfortunately, like many mental health conditions, you can’t ignore PTSD.
It’s best to get treatment early, to take control and to take your life back. Beginning with a self-assessment is a great first step.
Christine Leccese is the communications and marketing manager at Military Pathways.
