OAK LEAVES FAMILY SERVICE
COLUMN - MAY, 1999 WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SURVIVORS OF TRAGEDIES LIKE THE COLUMBINE
HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTINGS?
Lately I feel as if my life is one mad roller
coaster ride. Between work and home responsibilities I feel so stressed
out. Any suggestions for getting my life back on a calmer track?
"The other day my twelve-year-old son asked me what will happen to the survivors
of the Columbine High School shooting. He wondered how they could possibly
deal with what they've seen. My response was that these people would never
be the same. I've heard Post Traumatic Stress Disorder mentioned but I don't
know much about it. What are these people up against and how will they deal
with it?"
May is Anxiety Awareness Month, learn
more about PTSD or other stress disorders such as Panic Disorder or
Anxiety Disorders through the following resources:
- The American Psychiatric Association Washington, DC (202) 682-6000
- Mental Health Association of Illinios (312) 368-9070
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America Rockville, MD (301)
231-8368
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Surviving or witnessing an overwhelmingly traumatic event can severely disturb
an individual's values and assumptions about life. This type of trauma often
leads to a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Who develops Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? (PTSD)
For years, this condition was known as "shell shock" and was believed to
affect only soldiers who had been in combat. We now know that anyone who
is a victim of or witnesses a traumatic event can develop PTSD. PTSD knows
no age, racial, economic or geographic boundaries.
What types of events can result in PTSD?
- Any situation which causes terror, helplessness or extreme fear for
one's life or the lives and safety of loved ones.
- The violent and sudden destruction of ones home or community.
- Witnessing someone being severely injured or killed.
- Being subjected to individual violence such as rape, or group violence
such as military combat.
Rebecca Fallert, LCSW and Senior Clinical Therapist at Family Service notes
that "it's important to realize that the definition of 'traumatic event'
depends on the individual. Witnesses of the same event may have very different
reactions to it." Truamatic events caused by humans such as violent crimes
are more likely to lead to PTSD than those caused by nature. For those who
develop PTSD, symptoms may be very short-lived and quickly resolved, or
they may continue for months or even years and require professional treatment
in order to improve.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Re-experiencing the trauma in some way. This may involve extremely
distressful recurring nightmares or recollections about the experience.
- Emotional distress in situations that resemble or symbolize the trauma.
A woman who was raped during a snowstorm may become depressed whenever
it snows.
- An avoidance of situations associated with the event. A person who
was attacked in an elevator may refuse to use them.
- The suppression of emotions or thoughts which occurred during the
trauma. In some cases this suppression is so severe that the individual
becomes withdrawn from those around them.
- Increased anxiety, unusual levels of watchfulness or vigilance about
their security and surroundings. An exaggerated startle response, increased
irritability and unpredictable outbursts of anger are common as well.
Difficulty sleeping and an inability to concentrate are also signs of
PTSD.
PTSD and children.
A child's symptoms may include recurring nightmares or dreams of rescuing
others or dreams in which they or their family are threatened.
A loss of interest in favorite activities, headaches, stomachaches may be
indicators as are general detachment or listlessness, a loss of interest
in a favorite toy or developmental regression such as the onset of bed wetting.
Can PTSD be treated and cured?
Absolutely. PTSD patients respond well to treatment. Once diagnosed, PTSD
can be treated with individual, family or group psychotherapy. In some cases,
individual symptoms may be treated with medications as well.
What to do if you suspect PTSD.
Seek a complete evaluation with a licensed mental health care professional
to obtain an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Remember, PTSD
can be treated. There is no need to struggle with its disruptive and painful
symptoms.
Located at 120 S. Marion, Oak Park, Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest is a not-for-profit social service and mental
health agency that provides counseling, psychiatric and prevention/education
programs to men, women, youth and families. To learn more about our programs
or to make an appointment, contact us at (708) 383-7500.
