June is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month

When we hear the term PTSD, most of us think of Veterans, and although far too many Veterans experience PTSD, other segments of the population do too.  

PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes combat veterans as well as people who have experienced or witnessed an assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or other serious event.  People who have PTSD often feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger. Sometimes, learning that a friend or family member experienced trauma can cause PTSD.  

According to the National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, to meet the criteria for PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than 1 month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms also must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness.

Symptoms of this disorder range from realistic flashbacks, nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts about the said event, and extreme anxiety.

A study in 2016 found that nearly 60% of people who had been arrested reported experiencing symptoms of PTSD afterward.  MPD Officers are trained to de-escalate situations where PTSD or other mental health issues might be a factor.  They are also trained to handle situations with the least amount of force needed to minimize trauma from the interaction.  A 24 hour crisis line is available to them for assistance.  Additionally, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is posted on the MPD website: it is 9-8-8.  

If you, a loved one or friend may be experiencing PTSD, talk to your health care provider who can then refer you to a licensed mental health professional.

Much of this information was found at:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#part_11012

Have fun, Maricopa, stay healthy, and stay safe!