Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-changing event like, serving in the military, a natural disaster, car accident or a sexual assault.  Families of victims can also develop PTSD. [WebMD]

Adam Berry, Getty Images
Adam Berry, Getty Images
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About 3.6% of adult Americans which make up about 5.2 million people suffer from PTSD during the course of the year, and an estimated 7.8 million Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.  It can develop at any age, including childhood and women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, which is more likely from being in a domestic relationship, or sexual assault.

Not everyone with PTSD has been in a traumatizing, or life-changing event.  From the website National Institute of Mental Health the symptoms for PTSD include the following:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom
  • At least one avoidance symptom
  • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • At least two cognition and mood symptoms

In most situations, treatment is available through counseling / talk therapy and medication.  They seldom disappear completely, but treatment can help how they can deal with it effectively.  Treatment can also lead to fewer and less intense symptoms, as well as a greater ability to cope by managing feelings related to the trauma.

If you have PTSD or know somebody who does you can receive help at the ETMC Behavioral Health Center in Tyler.  The office is located at 4101 University Blvd. or call toll free 800-566-0088.

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