Post traumatic stress

Anzac Day each year focuses our attention on the contribution to our community of men and women in our armed services.

Of course, we are probably now more aware of the activities of the Australian Defence Force than any time since the war in Vietnam.

As well as the highly publicised and somewhat contentious deployment of troops to the Middle East, Australians have recently served with distinction in Afghanistan and we maintain a presence as part of the UN forces in East Timor.

Regardless of our individual political point of view, we all owe a personal debt to these men and women who so effectively serve our country. Nevertheless, this dedication and commitment often comes at a cost.

Most likely we are all familiar with terms such as battle fatigue and shell shock. These terms are used to describe some of the psychological side-effects of war, resulting in severe and long-lasting anxiety problems.

The condition, really a collection of symptoms, is known medically as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Official recognition was given to PTSD in 1980 following the Vietnam War. The majority of cases of PTSD are indeed war related – war veterans, peace-keeping forces and refugees are all at high risk; however, it is now realised that trauma other than war can cause PTSD.

People at risk of suffering PTSD include victims of natural disasters (for instance, flood, fire, famine and earthquake), serious motor vehicle accidents and crimes such as rape, assault, armed hold-up, terrorism and kidnap. Also at high risk are emergency services personnel including police, firefighters and health workers.
Not surprisingly, post traumatic stress has been an inevitable consequence of the summer bush fires.

In any effort to increase awareness of PTSD and to explain where to get the best help and advice, the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs, together with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, have produced an information card which is now available from pharmacies providing the Self Care health information.
Having feelings of stress and anxiety after a traumatic event is quite normal, and most people will recover from even intense traumatic stress within a few months. However, it seems some people are more likely to suffer severely, with long-term consequences.

Symptoms may occur immediately after the event, or may be delayed for months or years. Also, symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. These symptoms might include depression and/or anxiety, difficulty sleeping – often due to distressing dreams, flashbacks of the event, rage and anger, avoidance of thoughts or conversations about the event and feelings of guilt or shame.

If you or someone in your family is suffering with PTSD it is important to seek help. Your local doctor can advise you. Following a traumatic event, immediate counselling may be helpful; but remember, no matter how long ago the event occurred, treatment can be effective.Ongoing counselling, often using medicines as part of the strategy to control symptoms, has proven highly successful.

There are several self-care strategies that will help as well. Try to cut down on cigarettes and alcohol – these can make stress worse.

Exercise regularly, use relaxation techniques and accept the support of your friends and family; studies show this helps recovery.