PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Copyright Daryl Eigen 2011






While everyone experiences PTSD differently, there are four clusters of
symptoms: 

1. Re-experiencing the traumatic event 
   
2. Avoidance of reminders
   
3. Increased anxiety
   
4. Other psychological impairments
    

 Re-experiencing:
                Flashbacks
                Intrusive memories
                Nightmares
                Intense reactions when cued

Avoidance or numbing of:
                Activities
                Thoughts
                Places
                Sounds
                Feelings

Anxiety
                Sleep disturbance
                Hypervigilance
                Irritability
                Lack of focus
                Loss of interest
                Anger outbursts
                Often startled
                Jumpy

Other
               Guilt and shame
               Substance abuse
               Depression
               Suicide ideation
               Alienation
               Aches and pains
               Mistrust

 







            

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The official site for PTSD is with the VA but the left hand column provides a bare bones, not for official use, summary of PTSD symptoms.

At the VA I saw a Vietnam Veteran in a T shirt that said "I am medicated for your protection." And he looked liked his meds were a good thing for everone in close proximity. PTSD is something that has to be dealt with sooner or later  I can tell you from personal experience, if it is not adressed sooner it will pop up years later perhaps stronger than before.

If you are not sure about your symptoms then ask those around you if you are different after the traumatic event(s). If there are differences than what are they. How do they affect the family and/or the people in close proximity.

Just knowiing what the symptoms are and having a lable for your what is wrong can be a relief to you and your family.
 
To explore the origins of PTSD in war time, go to the web site;

www.ahellishplaceofangels.com

which gives information on a memoir I just published that tells the story of my tour of duty in the Vietnam War. The book is titled "A Hellish Place of Angels: Con Thien: One Man's Journey" and makes clear  the origins of  PTSD in war or at least the origins of my PTSD...