By Claralynn Schnell of ContemporaryVA

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is mainly associated with Veterans of the major wars that have been occurring in the last 12 years. However, they are not the only ones who suffer from PTSD. Anyone who experiences a life changing event due to trauma can be effected by this and one of the main ways to help the problem is to talk about it and stop letting the fear and trauma take control.

I have written before on my slight PTSD that I suffered from after my first deployment from Afghanistan. While I have had some other instances of PTSD in my regular life, the biggest one comes from a horrific car accident I was in at 19. I was a passenger in an SUV when the driver fell asleep at the wheel and rolled the SUV an estimated 7-10 times at 75mph. While I was only slightly injured it did take multiple days in the hospital to recover and then suffered major anxiety and nightmares for years to come on this issue.

I never realized that I was suffering from PTSD and this lasted for years and years. It was finally when I began to talk about it and joke about the occasion, that I started to heal. However, many victims of trauma are not able to joke and move past these experiences. I do want to say that talking and reaching out for help is the best way to overcome this issue and move forward with your life.

Working hard to overcome Post Traumatic Stress is the key to success and being able to live with the new normal that you will be experiencing. Life after PTSD can be a challenge and can cause stress, having loved ones around who understand that trauma and are willing to give the support you need is an important factor.

Are you suffering from trauma that has caused sleepless nights, anxiety, fear and anger? If so contact Paul.