This article was written by the staff of the Region Five Crisis Call Center: Tim Griffin, Shelley Shelton, Casey Mewborn, and Staci Young.
As we enter June, which is PTSD awareness month, let’s take a moment to discuss the many ways and forms that PTSD can present.
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects about 6 out of every 100 people. Let’s go over some facts and information about PTSD and how 988 can help.
There are many things that can surface when we are exposed to reminders of past traumatic events.
PTSD is a condition that occurs when we are exposed to Psychological Shock and or injury. The symptoms can include but are not limited to: recall of the event, disturbances of sleep, and dulled responses to things going on around us. People experiencing PTSD will usually have disturbing and intense thoughts and or feelings related to the traumatic event, long after the event is over. Every person is unique, which means that each person experiences PTSD differently.
There are five types of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
- Normal Stress Response
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Uncomplicated PTSD
- Complex PTSD
- Comorbid PTSD
Who do you think would suffer from PTSD?
Let’s go over some of the many faces.
- Children and Adults that have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences can cause PTSD. When youth and young adults are faced with challenges that can include, bullying, substance and or alcohol abuse in the home, domestic violence, marginalization due to race and or sexual/gender orientation/identification.
- Survivors of Violence, that can include sexual assault, shootings, domestic violence, gang related crimes, bullying or assault.
- Caregivers of special needs Children/Adults, Loved one with Dementia related illness, Medically Complex Individuals.
- First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, Dispatch, EMT, Fire Fighters, Mental Health Professionals, Emergency Room Staff, Correctional Officers.
- Veterans and Veteran Families, active duty, separated from service, retired.
- And possibly You
How 988 can help with PTSD?
988 is the new Mental Health, Crisis, and Suicide Prevention line. But how can they help people experiencing PTSD?
The 988 line can connect individuals with a plethora of local services and resources. It is important to note that 988 is not geo-located, so if you are dialing in with a phone number that does not have the area code 757, 804, or 948, you can use the regional line 757-656-7755. This line is answered by the same providers of 988.
988 is not just the suicide prevention line, anyone experiencing a crisis can call this number for help.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, such as: Flash backs, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, relapse on substances, nightmares, feeling on edge, or having thoughts of suicide; which are all common after experiencing a traumatic event. Reach out, help is available.