An Intro to PTSD

https://cmha.ca/documents/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

This link is a good starting off point for getting to know what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is. Written by the Canadian Mental Health Association, the page gives an in-depth view of what and whom PTSD affects. It is non-specific to veterans, first responders, victims of sexual violence or anyone else, but rather a broad look into how traumatic experiences can take a toll on someone’s life more so than regular grief. I knew some about PTSD and what some of the symptoms could be, but what was clearly distinguished in this link for me, was the difference between deep thought and grief from a difficult time and the hallucinations, nightmares, etc. that come from experiencing a life threatening event – or being close to one who did. Something that really struck me was the following line: “Many people feel a lot of guilt or shame around PTSD because we’re often told that we should just get over difficult experiences.” (CMHA National). I knew a lot about survivors of sexual violence and their experience with being told it “wasn’t that bad”, but it shocks me that people such as veterans and first responders, who are so highly respected, could be told such a horrific thing. This has sparked an interesting insight into my research and how I will go about this subject.