PTSD Is Not A Myth

A friend had posted the following article on his Facebook page: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/03/16823532-american-sniper-author-chris-kyle-fatally-shot-at-texas-gun-range?lite&GT1-43001    

When I left a comment expressing sympathy for the two men killed and for the shooter, who suffers from PTSD, a young man (a friend of my friend, but one I have never met) left a rather brutal comment in response calling into question the validity of PTSD.  I argued back in defense of those who suffer from PTSD.  Then, because I did not know if the young man is associated with the military or not, I looked at his FB profile.  The only thing I could learn from it is that he lives in an area where a lot of other military live.  So, while he may not be in the military himself, he should certainly be aware of the issues military men and women face.  However, as evidenced from his comments, the man is clearly ignorant or mislead on the issues surrounding PTSD.  

That bothers me- partly because PTSD is not confined to military ranks, and partly because this man got the idea somewhere that PTSD was merely a method to be used to excuse poor behavior.

First, let me say this:  The account above is incredibly tragic!  My heart and prayers go out to the men's families who are left behind after this shooting.  No matter if Rauth has PTSD or not, he still needs to be held accountable for his actions.  However, if he truly does suffer from PTSD then he also needs support, empathy, and our prayers.  I can only imagine the suffering he will face when the clouds clear realizing he shot and killed his brothers-in-arms, which will surely add to the PTSD.  If he doesn't have PTSD, then of course he should be convicted of his crimes with no consideration, though he could still use our prayers!

So what IS PTSD? 
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health concern that anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience can develop.  While it is seen most commonly in men and women who have served during times of war, as we see in the increasing numbers being diagnosed within our military ranks, men and women are also being diagnosed with PTSD following events like those of September 11, or following hostage situations, abuse, rape, natural disasters, or any other kind of traumatic experience.  This is not a disorder that is confined to the military, though military members are still all too often too ashamed to seek help, and many civilians that suffer from it would not be able to recognize it due to lack of information.

How do you know if you suffer from PTSD?
There are four key symptoms that will help you identify PTSD.  I have witnessed two of these four in friends who have PTSD- some who have not yet been diagnosed, and one who has.  Both served in Iraq on multiple deployments, and both are open about their experiences which clearly attributed to the development of this disorder.

The symptoms are:

1. Reliving the event(s) either in dreams or "flashbacks."
2. Avoidance of anything that might remind you of the event(s).
3. Feeling numb in reaction to the event(s)- closely resembles depression in loss of involvement even in things you enjoy.
4. Always hyped up, always on the look out, always looking for danger (where none should exist).

There are many reasons women with PTSD do not get diagnosed.  They are reluctant to admit they have a problem.  They are concerned that being diagnosed will affect thier career in the military, or will affect how others will interact with them should it be found out.  There is still a social stigma surrounding the need to get counseling despite the great lengths the military has taken to make mental health care more accessible.

However, Ladies, if you have PTSD, fear not! 

First, know that you are not alone.  You have Sisters in Christ  who love and support you.  You have Sisters in Arms who can relate and can share in your fears and uncertainties.  Second, as Christian women we are called to lean on Him to answer our needs, if those needs call for speaking to a counselor, do not be ashamed to see one!  You are not less of a woman, or less of a Christian for seeking professional help with PTSD (or ANY mental health concern.)  Third, mental health issues are now treated much different in the military because of people's aversion to seeking help.  In most cases, the things you seek help for will not reflect poorly on your military career.  (Wives, note this to keep in mind for your Hubbies:  Mental Health Care is not something to be feared in regards to Military Careers.)  However, ignoring the problem because of that misplaced fear can hurt much more if it goes untreated.  (Rauth is a prime example.)  Finally, there are treatments for PTSD outside Mental Health Care which include medication to help manage the symptoms.

Ladies, I encourage you to seek out help if you beleive you have suffered a traumatic experience that has caused you to develop PTSD.  There is no shame in asking for help.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/july/14.48.html
http://christianfamilyinstitute.com/resources/mental-health-topics/anxiety-disorders/ptsd/
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/just-listen/201007/ptsd-the-inside-out
http://ptsd.factsforhealth.org/whatlike.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/DS00246
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=posttraumatic_stress_disorder
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/women-trauma-and-ptsd.asp
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/videos/list-videos.asp

Contact information:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/where-to-get-help.asp