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When Stress Becomes Unbearable
A soldier, who’s just come back
from the war in Iraq, is haunted by nightmares of bodies on
the battlefield. A woman keeps replaying in her mind the day
that she was brutally raped. A man has flashbacks  of the time that he was beaten by
his step-father. These incidents are the result of stress — a
special kind of stress. It is a stress so overpowering, so
overwhelming that it’s known as Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder.
The important thing to
remember about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is that it’s far
more common than one might think. First brought to
the public's attention following the Vietnam War,
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder afflicts everyone from
earthquake victims to survivors of kidnappings. Often, PTSD,
as it is known, occurs when an individual's life has been
threatened, or the life of someone close to him or her has
been jeopardized. More than five million people are believed
to be affected by this disorder.
There are a number of
tell-tale signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. For
instance, an individual might experience continual flashbacks
or nightmares. He or she may experience feelings of
irritability or frustration. He or she might have an
exaggerated startle response, such as jumping when hearing a
noise in an otherwise quiet room. He or she may lose interest
in work, relationships, or other things that used to be
enjoyed. The symptoms may become especially pronounced when
the anniversary of the traumatic event rolls
around.
Although stories of soldiers with PTSD are
well-known, women are actually more susceptible to the
disorder. There is also evidence that there may be a
genetic predisposition for PTSD. PTSD can lead to
major depression, alcoholism, or drug abuse. If a specific
person was responsible for the trauma — say a husband,
boyfriend, or neighbor — the after-effects may be particularly
bad.
It’s interesting to note that a specific sound or
smell can trigger a flashback for an individual suffering from
PTSD. This is part of the reason that the disorder is so
troubling. In essence, the individual has difficulty escaping
the memory of what happened. The recurring nightmares and
flashbacks are signs that the individual has not been able to
process the memory appropriately.
Someone
afflicted with PTSD may feel a sense of hopelessness.
Since his or her ordeal seems to be repeating itself, he or
she may find it difficult to come to terms with the event.
This is why PTSD is such a debilitating condition. However,
it’s important to recognize the fact that there is hope for
those struggling with this disorder. Through talk therapy and
medication, a person can learn how to properly process the
traumatic memory. The nightmares and flashbacks
eventually disappear, and the individual receives a new leash
on life.
It should be pointed out that there’s
no instant fix or cure for PTSD. It can haunt people for
months, if not years. It’s a mental condition that’s still
shrouded in a great deal of secrecy. There are also many
misunderstandings about the disorder. It may cause someone to
miss work, or to lose his or her job entirely. It can wreck
marriages and other close relationships. A great deal
of additional research needs to be done in order to adequately
address the problem of PTSD.
In the meantime,
there are specific steps you can take to lessen the likelihood
that you’ll suffer from the disorder. If you’ve become the
victim of a traumatic event, seek help immediately. Discuss
the incident with your family doctor and ask him or her for a
referral to a therapist and psychiatrist. Don't wait
until your symptoms are out of control before you seek help.
While this type of stress is not curable, it is entirely
treatable.
The important thing for you to
remember is that you’re not alone. There are a number of
mental health experts who stand ready to help you. Also, try
to think of yourself as a survivor rather than as a victim.
You may find you’re better able to cope with the stress that
way.
Also, recognize the fact that the incident, though
traumatic, has passed. Once you realize that you’re unlikely
again to go through such a horrible situation, you may be able
to put the incident into the proper perspective.
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