Often times when picturing someone suffering from PTSD, an ex soldier comes to mind.

The media fills us with images of veterans coming back from war, having problems adjusting to civilian life, isolating themselves and having vivid flashbacks of the horrors they witnessed in combat.

Now I’m certainly not disputing that going to war, then coming back home and trying to adjust to “normal” life isn’t challenging. My heart goes out to all vets and their families that live this scenario.

I am a product of a military family and my father was a Vietnam vet who suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome. So I know first hand the challenges presented from growing up in the military lifestyle!

But upon further investigation into what PTSD is and who can suffer from it, I began to realize that many other groups of people can and do indeed deal with this disorder, and it’s not just the stereotypical image of the “soldier” that can be affected by it.

PTSD is brought upon by an individual, this could be an adult or child, witnessing or going through themselves a traumatic event.

This event may have involved a threat physically to the person’s well being or of someone else. Or the threat may have resulted in actual death or serious injury of oneself or someone else.

This could include women, men or children that have been raped, sexually abused or violently assaulted. Or even anyone that has been a victim of a violent crime or has witnessed a violent crime such as a robbery or shooting.

The response to these events must have caused a person to respond with strong feelings of fear, hopelessness or horror as well.

This is another important criteria that determines whether or not someone has developed PTSD as a result of dealing with such trauma.

Imagine a child or teen that is being taunted and bullied on a daily basis, could they potentially fall victim to PTSD? I’m thinking a resounding yes! As a child being in a military family that moved around a lot, I would always be the “new kid” in school and paid for it dearly.

So I’m so glad today there is more awareness of how serious a problem bullying is for kids. Although there are anti-bullying campaigns out there, some children don’t think their parents have the time or even really care about.

So they keep it to themselves.

I encourage any parent who suspects or is aware that their child is a victim of it, sit down and have a serious talk with him or her and their teachers until the problem is solved.

Another reason someone could develop PTSD is if they are involved in a serious car or plane crash, or any bad accident for that matter.

Or anyone that has witnessed a really severe natural disaster. Also the death or serious illness of a family member or close friend could be cause for an individual to start exhibiting signs of this disorder.

Even hearing the diagnosis of a serious disease in oneself can be enough to trigger PTSD.

Persons with stressful jobs that witness horrific situations such as firefighters, EMTs, 911 operators, police, etc. are at high risk for developing PTSD also.

As you can see, post traumatic stress disorder can affect a multitude of people with a wide range of experiences. No longer should we think of the veteran coming back from war as one of the few groups who experience this debilitating disorder.

Another important point I want to make here is that many people experience something traumatic at some time in their lives. This is part of life.

And it is a natural response during these times for most people to experience anxiety and distress around the trauma.

The difference however between someone who is going to have to deal with PTSD as a result of the it and someone who is not, is how long the anxiety is going to stick around and how it will manifest itself.

You see, someone who has post traumatic stress develops severe anxiety and panic attacks as a result of their experience. This further results in a number of behaviors that directly affect their quality of their life thereafter.

Some of these behaviors include: angry outbursts, trouble sleeping, feeling on edge, flashbacks, avoidance of certain places and situations, feelings of isolation and nightmares to name a few.

Someone who receives a post traumatic stress disorder diagnosis experiences these behaviors for several months, sometimes even for years. The symptoms also must have a great negative impact on one’s life and interfere with relationships.

I have often shared that I have been suffering with acute anxiety and panic attacks since childhood. But never had I considered, nor have counselors or Dr.s that I’ve seen over the years ever suggested that I may be suffering from PTSD.

I mean could it be that even the medical establishment only considers this a diagnosis if someone has come back from war? Man I hope not. Because there are so many other people out there that could be suffering from this also.

I strongly suggest that if you feel you are dealing with post traumatic stress disorder that you consult with your Dr. and not rely on speculation or self-diagnosis.

There are specific guidelines laid out by the American Psychiatric Association that classify the exact criteria necessary for a diagnosis of PTSD that are beyond the scope of this article.

Your Dr. should be aware of them or at least can point you in the direction of someone who is. This is a conversation I plan on having with mine in the near future.

You must know that if you receive a diagnosis of PTSD you are certainly not alone for sure. Although it is a serious anxiety disorder, there is help out there and you should not isolate yourself or be ashamed.

Understand that you are a survivor of something traumatic and that this is the time to push on. Get as as you can about the issue and make a pact with yourself to get the help you need so you can start living the life you so much deserve.