Today, June 27th, is National PTSD Awareness Day. PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a complex disorder caused by experiencing or witnessing trauma. PTSD can arise from many events such as car accidents, combat, natural disasters, or an assault. People can develop PTSD at any age and the factors that contribute to the disorder are most often out of that person’s control.
History of PTSD
Humanity has documented this disorder, in one way or another, for a very long time. The symptoms are hypervigilance, mood swings, flashbacks, avoidance and more. During the 1800s, due to the Civil War, PTSD became much more widespread. However, the earliest known literature referencing the disorder is a poem by Hippocrates in 50 B.C. Further, Shakespeare has mentioned an infliction with similar symptoms in many of his writings.
PTSD has been given many different names. First, during the 1800s, people called it “railway spine”. But it was not until 1915 that the disorder was formally introduced into medical literature as “shell shock”.
Fittingly, with each ensuing war or conflict, more was learned about the disorder, and it was again brought into the spotlight. Particularly, in the aftermath of WWII and the Holocaust, trauma ran rampant. Psychologists researched victims of the war for better understanding of the disorder and its lasting effects on the world.
Raising Awareness
Though, today, we have a better understanding of PTSD than ever before, the fight never slows. More and more people fall into the grasps of PTSD every day. Especially, because of the rising occurrence of natural disasters, crime, and political unrest.
Everyone can do their part to raise awareness of this debilitating disorder. Here are a few ideas to get started:
-Visit the National Center for PTSD to educate yourself about the symptoms
-Wear teal to represent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness
-Donate to one of the many non-profits dedicated to the disorder such as the Wounded Warrior Project or Military OneSource
Lastly, you can spread the word about this disease. Remember, an overwhelming percentage of those afflicted, especially those affiliated with the military, do not receive the help they need. We, as humanity, need to further remove the stigma of this disorder so that those who need help, feel confident to reach out for it.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: National Today; National Center for PTSD
Image: Adobe Stock
