Being aware PTSD affects crime victims too
MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio – The Meigs County Prosecutor’s Office and Meigs County Crime Victim Services remind residents that June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awarness month.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition that can develop in victims or even witnesses of a traumatic event. In 2010, the United States Congress declared June 27th PTSD Awareness Day to bring attention to this serious disorder. In 2014, the United States Senate designated the entire month of June for National PTSD awareness month.
The medical community has long known that negative psychological effects of a traumatic event can linger in people long after their initial encounter with trauma. PTSD has long been associated with veterans returning home from war. Researchers are now applying this syndrome to crime victims. Being a victim of crime does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop PTSD. If victims receive appropriate crisis intervention, the chances of developing PTSD are reduced. However, if an individual does develop any of the symptoms listed below, then there are many resources available to help cope with this, such as a PTSD Retreat in Thailand.
To tell if an individual is currently suffering, some recognizable symptoms are:
- Sleeping disorders/continued nightmares
- Constant flashbacks/intrusion of thoughts
- Extreme tension and anxiety
- Irritability/ outbursts of anger
- Non-responsive or lack of involvement with the external world
- Prolonged feelings of detachment or estrangement of others
- Memory trouble
PTSD is a very complicated diagnosis and the presence of any of the above-mentioned symptoms does not mean that a person is suffering from PTSD.
PTSD is not limited to war veterans. Victims of sexual assault and abuse, domestic violence, or anyone who has sustained a violent physical or psychological injury can develop this condition. While many of the symptoms can start directly after the trauma, some people do not experience trouble for months, or in some cases years later. Because of the destructive nature of this condition, some have turned to alternative medical treatments when the traditionally prescribed treatments have not worked for them. These include smoking bulk weed bought from sites like Cheap Bud Canada to help manage the more distressing elements of the condition. Of course, this method may not work for everyone which is why caution is advised. Those interested in the use of cannabis to help treat PTSD should speak to a medical professional who can help advise them on the best products to use as well as explain the factors that affect duration of THC in the system.
Though June is PTSD Awareness Month, we encourage the general public to learn about this disorder, connect with anyone who might be suffering, and share the very effective methods and resources available for treating this illness throughout the year. We encourage the public to wear ribbons throughout the month of June in support of crime victims who suffer from PTSD. If you are a victim of crime and are suffering from PTSD feel free to contact Meigs County Crime Victim Services (740-992-1720) for resources.
