A Deeper Look Into PTSD

A Deeper Look Into PTSD
Written by Whitney Wetzel
Last updated on March 14, 2012 @ 7:48PM
Created on March 14, 2012 @ 6:56PM

You've probably heard about the American soldier who allegedly shot and killed 16 Afghan civilians a few days ago. Well that soldier apparently served three tours of duty in Iraq, before serving in Afghanistan, and now some experts say U.S. troops are being stretched too thin.

PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that most people don't understand, unless they've been through a traumatic event sometime in their lives. But it's important for the community to have a better understanding of the disorder, and know how it can affect our troops.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop, after someone goes through any event that would cause psychological trauma. Symptoms for the disorder can range from flashbacks and nightmares, to anger and trouble sleeping.

"You'll notice that they have a startle reflex. They startle easily," said Chaplain James Riggs, Fairmont General Hospital.

"Sometimes a quiet person will all of a sudden become more talkative, or a talkative person may become more quiet," said Sgt. John Oliverio, WV National Guard.

PTSD can affect anyone, but it's mostly known for being a problem that military troops often face, after they come back from war.

"These people from many conflicts, not just Afghanistan, Iraq. Not just Vietnam, but World War II, World War I, Korea, experience things that most human beings have never experienced, and that we're not really geared psychologically to experience," said Chaplain James Riggs.
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