PsychSense: Sensible Psychological Solutions

PTSD Diagnosis up 50 % in Iraq Troups in 2007 according to an associated press article.

Is anyone  really suprised that acute stress reactions are very high in troups in Iraq?  I would think not. But the issue of  a PTSD diagnoses  is another matter altogether.   In my opinion PTSD  is a diagnosis in vogue these days that is overused (similar to  Bi-Polar disorder) .  I do not believe you do  justice to a person returning from combat by  labeling (and burdening) them with a diagnosis too quickly.

Lets face it, as much as we would like to, we can’t always avoid stress. Many times we are told to “reduce the stress in your life”; this is so much easier said then done! However, some factors have been identified that can help us deal with the inevitable stressors of live and protect against developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a Crisis. Research has shown that theses factors will help in making you more stress resistant.

1. Getting lots of physical exercise

2. Using active coping skills

3. Remaining positive in your outlook

The main cause of PTSD is exposure to a severe stress that results in fear and helplessness. The stress may be caused by intentional or unintentional human actions or nature. Intentional trauma is thought by some to be more traumatic then unintentional harm. A partial listing of possible stressors is below.

 Intentional traumas

•  War 
• Abuse, sexual and physical
• Personal assault
• Hostage
• Terrorism
• Kidnapping
• Victim Crime
• Witness to violence (murder/ suicide)

 Unintentional traumas and natural disasters

• Fires

• Accidents