Despite budget problems, stress must be treated
Lynn Moriarty • Special to The Desert Sun • September 20, 2008
Victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, violent crime, survivors of earthquakes, hurricanes, flood, fire and combat veterans all share a common need to heal from a condition know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) a debilitating psychological condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event. PTSD often causes the re-experiencing of the trauma as though it were just happening.
After the parades have ended, the criminals prosecuted and the damages from the natural catastrophes rebuilt, the ongoing need for mental health services will remain. Without professional help many suffering from PTSD will develop symptoms and behaviors that put them at high risk for damaging themselves or others.
Each year at our emergency shelter for victims of intimate partner violence, we see hundreds of women and children with stress induced impaired functioning and we see infants that become rigid with fear when anyone comes near. These are awful sights to behold even when we know that at least for our clients help is at hand.
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