Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the result of a traumatic experience, such as a loss of family members or belongings from a tornado, fire, or hurricane. It can also be the result of traumatic experiences in a war.
PTSD can take on many forms of mental illness. Persons with this disease may have nightmares and/or loss of sleep. They may be depressed, anxious, or may be unable to concentrate.
Treatment usually consists of medication to help with the symptoms and therapy or counselling sessions to help the mind cope with the trauma.
The Alliance for Mental Health Consumers' Rights understands that many of our evacuees from recent hurricanes are suffering from PTSD, as are many of our service personnel returning from the Middle East. If you are one of these people, please feel free to call us any time to talk, seek advice, or get help. We are always as near as the nearest telephone.