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We enjoyed sparklers, firecrackers and
of course all the cookouts and ice cream. The 4th
of July is still a great celebratory holiday where friends
and family gather for various events but not all individuals
can enjoy those events due to post- traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Both children and adults can be diagnosed
and suffer from PTSD due to exposure to traumatic events
experienced in a myriad of ways. It is especially common
among veterans who have served in combat.
The
American Psychiatric Association lists the criteria for PTSD
and states that all must be met for an individual to be
diagnosed. Some of the criteria includes direct exposure to
death, actual or threatened. The individual will often
re-experience this through nightmares, flashbacks or
reminders (such as fireworks, sounds of gun fire or alike.)
The individual suffers emotional distress and a difficult or
an inability to experience positive feelings and emotions.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed by a mental
health professional and treatment is available. Success of
treatment depends upon many factors unique to each
individual. Take a mental health moment if you or someone
you know may be showing signs of PTSD and speak to a mental
health professional.
Also,
consider that individuals who suffer from PTSD have symptoms
often triggered by loud sounds such as those utilized for
the 4th of July celebrations. Not all
celebrations need to include firecrackers and other noise
makers in and around neighborhood gatherings, but a great
cookout and ice cream warrants minimal damage (Just don’t
eat too much.) To all my fellow veterans, thank you for
your service and for those who continue to serve….thank you,
thank you, thank you.
Bernadette
Graham is an active duty Air Force veteran and now serves as
a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified
Counselor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She is
available for presentations and speaking engagements on
mental health topics. Provide feedback or reach out at
graham.bernadette@gmail.com or visit her website at
www.bjgrahamcounseling.com |
