IUS Personal Counseling Services presented a session discussing traumatic reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This was the second in a five-part Veteran Wellness Series. The presentations are open to everyone.
Heading the discussion group was Michael Day, IUS personal counselor.
“Transition can be difficult going from one area of expertise to another,” Day said. “I’m here to listen to any concerns.”
Traumatic reactions and PTSD remain serious topics of interest, as evidenced by several discussions from students and veterans in attendance.
When the word post-traumatic stress is mentioned, people think of the stereotypical shell-shocked veteran, but many suffer from traumatic reactions and PTSD.
Veterans are not the only ones affected. Rape victims, children and anyone who has experienced a traumatic event carry the burden.
During the discussion, Day gave the clinical definition of PTSD and talked about the symptoms. “Basically, when a severe traumatic event happens to someone, it raises their anxiety level,” Day said. “Most of us can self-heal from it with time or it goes away on its own, but, if it lasts more than six months, then it’s in the chronic stage and may remain a problem.”
Symptoms include nervousness, trembling, withdrawal from those close to you and avoidance of habitual places. Some find it hard to get their motivation up and will usually avoid school and work.
Many who suffer from traumatic reactions or PTSD find it hard to sleep, often waking in the middle of the night in cold sweats.
“Nighttime is usually the worst time,” Day said. “People are sleepy, alone and often have dreams about the very event causing their issues.”
Other symptoms include panic attacks, mid-day flashbacks and loss of interest.
Many suffering from traumatic reactions or PTSD are either not clinically diagnosed or have been misdiagnosed.
Aaron Neely, psychology junior, said he has PTSD.
“What I found most helpful was being told exactly what was going on with me,” Neely said.
Neely, who is also the president of the Students Veterans Organization, is aware of the problems that plague many veterans.
“It’s our responsibility to monitor fellow veterans and friends, watch their behavior and what comes out of their mouths because they may not know they have PTSD,” Neely said. “People aren’t aware that road rage is also a symptom of PTSD.”
This statement was confirmed by Day.
PTSD can also cause cognitive problems and reactive or hyper behavior.
“People who have PTSD are constantly on edge and act in a very defensive matter,” Day said. “The fact of the matter is we all have these problems, but most have the ability to keep it in-check.”
The discussion proved to be very informative for Lucas Logsdon, IUS coffee shop manager.
“In November, I will be headed to basic training for the Army, and I wanted to learn about PTSD and all of the symptoms so I can look for them in myself and others,” Logsdon said. “The presentation was great, and Dr. Day did an excellent job of answering questions and providing information on traumatic reactions and PTSD.”
By GARRETT TAYLOR
Staff
gartaylo@imail.iu.edu