PTSD: Air Force Mental Health can help

  • Published
  • By 71st Medical Operations Squadron, Mental Health
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

Imagine hearing a sudden bang from the street outside your home. Your attention is drawn to the sudden noise, and before you even have a chance to think about it, you are startled.

Usually it is nothing worse than a car engine backfiring and after the initial shock, you begin to rationalize it in your mind and return to whatever you were doing. However, if you have previously experienced a car bomb or enemy fire, you may find yourself under the nearest table or trying to hide in the closet before your conscious takes over, and you are able to get rid of those disturbing thoughts and snap back into reality.

This is an example of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD. An Airman experiencing PTSD is likely to feel the same emotions he or she felt when they first experienced that traumatizing event. Although the event could in no way make sense with his immediate surroundings, he may also experience feelings of inconsistency, confusion and even unreality.

PTSD affects hundreds of thousands of people, of all ages and genders, who have been subjected to violent events, such as war, rape, child and domestic abuse, and natural disasters. The anniversary of the event can also trigger symptoms.

Symptoms can include recurrent and intrusive flashbacks of the traumatic event. They may be in the form of vivid daydreams or nightmares, or intense emotional disturbances and reactions to people or events that resemble the original experience.

The decision to get care for PTSD symptoms can be difficult. It is important to understand that you are not alone. Remember, it is ok to feel nervous.

It is not uncommon for people with PTSD to want to avoid talking about it, but getting help for your symptoms is the best thing you can do.

You don't need to let PTSD get in the way of your life. You don't have to let it destroy your relationships or cause problems at work or home.

"Getting better" means different things for different people, but people who get treatment improve their quality of life.

In many cases, PTSD treatment can get rid of your symptoms. Although for some, symptoms may continue after treatment, Airmen will have learned the skills necessary to cope with their unique situation and make life much easier.

You can always put a band aid on a nasty cut to cover it up until it heals, and hopefully it won't get infected, but that scar will always remind you of what was.

Seek help. Services are available at the Vance Mental Health Clinic.