18 May Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

For those who are affected by or think they may be affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)  there is help for you. PTSD occurs when someone has difficulty in attempting to recover from a terrifying event he or she has experienced. There are many symptoms that come along with PTSD so please consider the following. 

Symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or vivid memories
• Loss of sleep or inability to fall asleep
• Sense of irritability
• Feeling tense
• Depression or loss of interest in things you typically do/care about
• Loneliness
• Mistrust
• Hostility
• Sudden mood swings

Treatment & Diagnosis

When it comes to treatments for patients who are suffering from PTSD, there are many tactics used throughout years of research that can help someone struggling. For example, typical treatments include medications, 1 on 1 therapy sessions as well as a group therapy sessions (victims get to share their experience with others in the same position as them), stress training and more. 

If you are curious on how to check if you are suffering from PTSD you can visit your doctor and they will perform a physical examination as well as a psychological examination to see what exactly your symptoms are that you’re experiencing. One of the best ways to help yourself is to reach out to other veterans who are experiencing PTSD and have been accurately diagnosed with it. You then can discuss and see if you share any similarities within your symptoms. Remember that symptoms can vary from person to person. PTSD affects everyone in different ways

Talking through what your dealing with is a great stress reliever and research shows how beneficial therapists and group talks can be for veterans. Not only talking, but scenarios and being in certain environments can be just as helpful. Placing yourself in comfortable positions only is key as it won’t trigger you and you will not be faced by any severe anxiety or stress from the situation you’re in. Remember that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is different for everyone and just because you are not experiencing the exact same symptoms as someone else does not mean you are not suffering from it. Go to a doctor and get yourself examined if you have any thoughts that you are suffering from PTSD.

Keep in mind that if you are severely disabled due to PTSD and the traumatic events you have witnessed you can be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. The Veterans Affairs is a great place to receive help with your health care benefits. For veterans with PTSD who need help, visiting the VA online can help you fast & efficiently by just a phone call. Here you will be able to discuss possible future appointments, examinations, benefits and file a claim online if you need to as well. 

When it comes time to document your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Social Security there are a few things to keep in mind during the process. The Social Security Administration will request that you provide the necessary medical evidence to show proof of your PTSD diagnosis as well as any relevant medical visits that would help your case. The more documents and evidence you can provide to the SSA, the more stronger your case is and the more likely you can receive those benefits you are seeking.