Too often we are unaware of the immediate and long-term effects of the world in which we live. We can forget that a news story is also a human story. We can forget that a real person, a real family and extended circle or family and friends are impacted upon. We can overlook the impact of a tragedy on a child. We can, in effect, forget that life inevitably happens to each and
every one of us - no matter how close or distant we seem to be to each
other and the world around us.
For some, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs.
1- PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop in children and adults after they have been exposed to what has been perceived as an extreme event and one in which they experienced great fear. Events such as war, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing a death, natural disasters, etc.- can lead to the experience of post traumatic stress disorder.
2- Children can respond by exhibiting increased fear or sudden changes in behavior.
3- Abuse history is a significant predictor for experiencing/re experiencing post traumatic stress and other difficulties later on in life when exposed to significant trauma.
4- A person may experience the disorder immediately after the event or years later.
5- Not everyone who is exposed traumatic events will experience post traumatic stress disorder.
6- There are many things that can impact on the occurrence of and recovery from the trauma including the existence of trauma history, the consistency of the trauma, length of exposure to the trauma, the ability to get help.
7. Left untreated, professional, social, emotional, relationship and addiction difficulties can develop.
8. People who experience PTSD are not "weak" or "crazy" or anything other than human beings who have been exposed to extraordinary pain, fear and horrific events. They deserve our compassion and respect.
9. The best way to help someone with PTSD is to be able to listen as best you can, acknowledge that you care and remind you both that he/she is not alone.