Prior to being recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980 as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD was known by several different titles. Soldiers who developed the symptoms of PTSD after the Civil War would have been diagnosed with soldier's heart. After World War I it became known as Combat fatigue or shell shock. Soldiers who fought in World War II may have been diagnosed with battle fatigue or gross stress reaction.

Unfortunately, before the medical community recognized PTSD as a real mental health condition, most doctors thought it was nothing more than an individual’s cowardice or personal weakness. It is believed that the Vietnam Conflict is responsible for bringing public attention to PTSD when therapists began to diagnose it as post-Vietnam syndrome and Vietnam vets pushed for it to be viewed as a legitimate disorder. Today, PTSD includes any individual who has been affected by trauma, not just soldiers.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that some people develop after seeing or living through an event that caused or threatened serious harm or death. Symptoms include flashbacks or bad dreams, emotional numbness, intense guilt or worry, angry outbursts, feelings of being “on edge,” or avoidance of the thoughts and situations that remind them of their trauma. Even a sound or smell can trigger a flashback for many people dealing with PTSD. The symptoms of PTSD can arise suddenly, gradually, or come and go over time. It is estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health that approximately 7.7 million American adults age 18 and older, have PTSD in a given year. Many individuals with PTSD may struggle with how and where to seek treatment.

People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and can feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. It is common for the overwhelming circumstances of traumatic events to influence relationships with friends, family, coworkers, and others. Traumatic events can and do deeply challenge people’s sense of safety and security in the world. Because PTSD impacts the family as a whole it is crucial that they also get support.

Recovery from PTSD is a gradual, ongoing process. Individuals looking for help should seek out mental health professionals who specialize in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Individuals can speak with their primary care provider about a referral, or call community or county mental health agencies for recommendations. People with PTSD should also consider reaching out to others for additional support. It is normal to want to withdraw and isolate one’s self after a traumatic incident, but it is important to stay connected to life and the people that are important in one’s life. There are also support groups available for individuals and families.

If you have a loved one who has PTSD, be patient and understanding, getting better takes time. They may feel the need to tell their story over and over again, this is part of healing, avoid telling your loved one to move on and stop rehashing the event. Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers, such as anniversary dates, and the people, places and things that remind them of their trauma. Don’t take PTSD symptoms to heart, it is common for individuals suffering with PTSD to feel numb, angry, irritable, and closed off. Often times it has nothing to do with the relationship and everything to do with their diagnosis. Lastly, don’t pressure your loved one into talking. People with PTSD often find it difficult to talk about their traumatic experience, for others it can make things worse. Instead, tell them that you are there for them when or if they need you.

Lisa Loomis is the Director of School & Mental Health Services for Family Health Network. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at TC3 and SUNY Empire State College.