Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—need to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
Effective treatments for PTSD are available.
To get help in a crisis: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 and Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, press 1
PTSD can be traced back in history to 50 BC. Hippocrates first documents the trauma of battle,and flashbacks of combat in narrating a soldiers symptoms after a war; a poem written by Lucretius titled, De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things). Ancient Epicurean and Stoic philosophers suggested techniques to reach an anxiety-free state of mind that are similar to modern Cognitive Psychology.
PTSD has been known by many names throughout history. During the Revolutionary War it was known as Nostalgia. In the Civil War it was Soldiers Heart. Shell Shock is what it was called in World War I. In World War II it was Battle Fatigue. Korea and Vietnam knew it as Gross Stress Reaction, and Vietnam Combat Reaction. In 1980 PTSD was recognized in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). All of these terms describe a condition of emotional turmoil.
PTSD is a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health usually characterized, by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.
Attitudes toward PTSD is better today than it used to be. At one time, soldiers displaying PTSD symptoms were considered weak, or cowards and, either institutionalized as insane or executed for cowardice. Instead of receiving treatment, soldiers were encouraged to keep their condition hidden.
PTSD doesnt only affect soldiers. It affects anyone who suffers the effects of trauma either directly or indirectly. In the 19th Century, Sir John Eric Erichsen coined the term Railway Spine to describe symptoms presented by victims as well as witnesses of railway accidents.
Further description of PTSD is a state of being that occurs after a person undergoes an event for which they are not equipped. That includes: proximity to war, sexual assault, witnessing a murder, or experiencing a natural or manmade disaster like a railroad accident.
The most decorated soldier of WWII suffered PTSD and, advocated for the government to study the emotional impact of war. Audie Murphy spoke candidly about his personal problems with PTSD, recounting his addicion to sleeping pills, and depression.
Recovery can take anywhere from a few days, weeks, or months. Yet, for others, the road to recovery could take years. PTSD is highly treatable; however, seeking mental health help is hindered either by lack of knowledge or the stigma attached to seeking mental help.
If you or someone you know is suffering with PTSD reach out to a qualified therapist, or counselor, or to one of the crisis help lines:
Crisis Line: 1-800-758-3344
Crisis Text: Text “Home” to 741741
Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255
Veterans: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
