Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.
Signs & Symptoms
People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled.
Treatment
Effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with PTSD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.
For more information: NIMH National Institute of Mental Health
My husband was injured in Dec 2011 on pre-deployment training. Fell 8 feet onto his back and had a horrid concussion, thank goodness his helmet and camel pack broke his fall. Since this event he has not been the same and trying to communicate and connect is a daily challenge and fear. We are almost 4 months out and his LOD has still not been approved and he had a horrid mental break in Feb. With the concussion, shoulder, and nerve damage his ego has been crushed along with his daily life. I hope people realize the military does not always come through those that are injured on active orders. Thanks for the information and advice!
Good morning Kris,
I’m very sorry to learn of your husband’s injury and the following difficulties. You are absolutely correct about injuries not involving combat in combat. The military, more than many other professions, has ample opportunity for serious injuries in the normal course of a workday.
You may find the information provided by http://www.notalone.com
http://www.familyofavet.com and http://www.herwarhervoice to be helpful as you and your husband work through this time together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Ken