While doing the research for this paper I've learned a few things. First, I'm pretty sure my dad had PTSD when I was a kid (he's a Vietnam Vet). Second, I'm almost positive my husband has it even though he's sure he doesn't (he was in Bosnia and Kosovo in the late 90s and Iraq shortly after 9/11). And third, I may have a touch of it myself. :(
According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. (2000) PTSD is described as the development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to an extreme traumatic event which involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to oneself or others. The person then reacts with intense fear, horror, or helplessness. After reading that I've come to recognize that seeing the immediate aftermath of the C-17 cargo jet crash a couple of weeks ago has caused me to exhibit some of the classic symptoms. Not only did it involve the death of four soldiers, I recall feeling absolutely horrified at the vision. I live on a army base that is closely attached to an air force base. From my back windows I have a clear view of the flight line and often watch the big jets take off or bank in to land. Lately I've noticed that I'm watching to see if another one is going to crash. It's very unnerving. I look forward to not feeling this way any more.
Reference:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. (2000). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Are guys going to seek counseling for it? I think that would be the best way to deal with it. And there are several kinds of PTSD, it just depends on the situation. My daughter may have a touch of it, but from a personal private experience
ReplyDelete