Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

My Sister lives with isolation, panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares because of PTSD. I cannot imagine the emotional fight it must be for her. I pray one day she

will be free from the suffering of this awful illness.
I dedicate this page to you Linda with all my love..

I never knew very much about PTSD but in my search to learn I hope in some way I help Linda, my "adopted" brother Joe and my "adopted" daughter Emma
during a time of need. I love you all.

I have learned it is caused by exposure to war, a severe or life threatening accident, physical or mental abuse, sexual assault or abuse, the sudden and/or violent death of someone close to you usually results in emotional impact and change. That emotional change may be temporary, or long term, and in some instances the severity and circumstances of the trauma may lead to the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It affects millions of people all over the world in all walks of life. Age has no bearing on this illness. PTSD is the injury that results from an overwhelming assault on the mind and emotions. It's results are long-term depression, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks and avoidance behaviors. The illness was first brought to US public attention when soldiers returning from the Vietnam War exhibited such symptoms.

Symptoms of PTSD

Re-experienced traumatic event
The traumatic event must be distressing to most people
Reaction persists for at least one month
One or more of the following:
Intrusive recollection of the event
Recurrent dreams of the event
Waves of feeling that the event is happening again
Distress as a result of any reminder of the event

Three or more of the following:
Attempts at avoiding any thought or feeling about the event
Attempts at avoiding activities, etc. that remind of the event
"Psychogenic amnesia" of the event
Diminished interest in meaningful activities
Detachment from others
Reduced activity
Sense of impending doom

Two or more of the following:
Difficulty sleeping
Irritability or increased anger
Concentration and attention disorders
Hypervigilance or paranoia
Increased response upon being startled
Additional features that may be present
Depression
Sexual dysfunction
Guilt
Obsession
Addiction (substance abuse

Ten Commandments to Remember
During a Panic Attack

Adapted from Fensterheim, H. and Doer, J.
"Stop Running Scared!"

1. It does not matter if you feel frightened, bewildered, unreal, unsteady. These feelings are nothing more than an exaggeration of the normal bodily reactions to stress. Just because you have these sensations doesn't mean you are very sick. These feelings are just unpleasant and frightening, not dangerous. Nothing worse will happen to you.

2. Let your feelings come. They've been in charge of you. You've been pumping them up and making them more acute. Stop pumping. Don't run away from panic. When you feel the panic mount, take a deep breath and, as you breathe out, let go. Keep trying. Stay there almost as if you were floating in space. Don't fight the feeling of panic. Accept it. You can do it.

3. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible without escaping. If you're on a street, lean against a post or stone wall. If you're at the cosmetics department of the department store, find a quieter counter or corner. If you're in a boutique, tell the salesperson you don't feel well and want to sit for a while. Do not jump into a cab and go home in fear.

4. Stop adding to your panic with frightening thoughts about what is happening and where it might lead. Don't indulge in self-pity and think, "Why can't I be like all the other normal people? Why do I have to go through all this?" Just accept what is happening to you. If you do this, what you fear most will not happen.

5. Think about what is really happening to your body at this moment. Do not think, "Something terrible is going to happen. I must get out." Repeat to yourself, "I will not fall, faint, die, or lose control."

6. Now wait and give the fear time to pass. Do not run away. Others have found the strength. You will too. Notice that as you stop adding the frightening thoughts to your panic, the fear starts to fade away by itself.

7. This is your opportunity to practice. Think of it that way. Even if you feel isolated in space, one of these days you will not feel that way. Sometime soon you will be able to go through the panic and say, "I did it." Once you say this, you will have gone a long way toward conquering fear.

8. Think about the progress you have already made. You are in the situation.

9. Try to distract yourself from what is going on inside you. Look at your surroundings. See the other people on the street, on the bus. They are with you, not against you.

10. When the panic subsides, let your body go loose, take a deep breath, and go on with your day. Remember, each time you cope with a panic, you reduce your fear.

I asked my "adopted" brother Joe to write something on Post Tramautic Stress Disorder because he lives with it every day of his life.
Thanks Joe, from the bottom of my heart!

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Links to other sites for
information and support:

Onl ine Depression Test

PTSD Resources and Help

Coping With Flashbacks

Heal Depression

How Are You Feeling Today

A Fine Kettle Of Fish"

Fact Sheet: Post-traumatic Stress

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