Cindy is afraid that she is losing her mind. She feels totally out of control. She knows that if she doesn’t do something soon, she will fail and drop out of varsity but she has no idea where to go for help or even if anyone will be willing or able to help her. Perhaps she would even be blamed…perhaps she somehow deserved or “asked for” what had happened to her. Some days she wishes that she could just not wake up in the morning, on others she considers taking her own life so that all the loneliness, fear and disgust that she feels will be over.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), previously known as “shell-shock” is a disorder which can occur in people who have experienced, learned about, witnessed or been exposed to distressing traumatic events. It commonly results from instances where the victim felt as though his/ her life was threatened. All of the symptoms associated with PTSD including those experienced by Cindy in the scenario above are a normal survival reaction in a life-death situation. When the constant re-experiencing of these distressing symptoms starts to intrude on a person’s ability to function, then Acute Stress disorder (in the first month after the event) or Post traumatic stress disorder (a month or more after the event) may be diagnosed. Individuals who have experienced such life-threatening events are often too afraid to seek help for fear that nobody will believe them. They commonly worry that they may be considered weak or even be blamed for the incident. Many have thoughts of death and dying. Some will contemplate and even attempt suicide.

Famous people who have experienced PTSD include: Monica Seles; Lady Gaga and Prince Harry.
With the correct combination of medical and psychological interventions people who experience Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD can be assisted and will go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.