PTSD Resource, WE ALL NEED IT.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

PTSD on a national scale, whoda thunk it could be brought on by our own reaction to a domestic disaster.

http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/

Natural Disaster: Devasting Effects of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida with winds up to 145 mph, causing complete devastation, major power outages and widespread flooding. The storm is already responsible for taking many lives and leaving thousands homeless. Click here for information specific to the disasterous effects of Hurricane Katrina, including information on how you can help (see bottom of page). There is need for housing for survivors and qualified disaster mental health professionals. The NCPTSD has also posted provider handouts on reactions to major disasters. For information on the psychological effects of natural disasters, also see our section of disaster fact sheets. For donations to help survivors, contact services such as the American Red Cross.



War in Iraq: Information
This section of the website contains the latest fact sheets and literature on the war in Iraq. Two important links from the site are, The Iraq War Clinican Guide, 2nd Edition and the VA Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom Seamless Transition website. For information on how the war may impact soldiers see: A Brief Primer on the Mental Health Impact of the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. For a list of resources available to returning soldiers and their families see our Veteran Resources sheet, Resources for U.S. Soldiers Returning from Deployment.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Delayed Stress Response

That's how I have felt re: Iraq, and now feel re: Katrina

What can I do beyond protesting and signing petitions?

I continue to break down, cry, and wonder..what can I do beyond making monetary contributions?

I have little, yet what I have seems like a kingdom compared to those displaced citizens in Iraq and here at home.

[tulsakatz]

3. even if you can only contribute a little.........

........it still adds up!

If everyone in the country gave.........let's say $10 each. It would add up to a lot!! So even if you can only afford a little, you are still helping! Be proud of yourself!

And people can contribute in many ways. If you don't have the money to spare, think of other ways you can help. Tonight on the news, I saw a story about a guy in Kansas City who has 19 hurricane victims staying at his house! Some of them are sleeping in tents in his backyard! I don't know if I would do that but my point is, think of a way that allows you to help in whatever way.

The important thing is that you're contributing to the solution. Even if it's a small effort, you are still making things better.

[DELUSIONAL]

2. DUers are in various stages of PTSD

I was expecting this --

Because the TV brings the images right into our homes -- or even the photos of the pain and suffering and death, for those of us who avoid the TV.

That's why DU is so busy --

This will probably be one of the most traumatic events we have ever gone through as a Nation -- and for those of us with empathy we will probably suffer from survivors guilt.

But I see people really angry and writing some brilliant rants -- this is good --

because anger can be used to fuel a demand for change -- it can be used to fuel ACTION.

Then some of the DUers we know have lost everything -- so we are hearing personal stories of survival. So we are sharing the pain of loss with the people in this online community.

[evolvenow]

4. Will Katrinia be the silver bullet ending the reign of the UNDEAD WAR Crim

inal Club? It better be NOW!!! Katrina is exposing these Killers and all of their horror, and the whole world knows and is gathering to shift towards compassion. Oh please, already, it is just to many innocents suffering and dying...for profit.

I hope we run out of oil immediately, yes it will create crisis, but then the new technologies will rush to the forefront and we can begin to heal the planet and all of the living beings. The end of oil, the end of war, global care of the planet is dire.

We are all interconnected, that is why we MUST END cruelty and violence on every level. The whole world is waking to this and keep in mind, it is a small number of murderers that have been driving the planet into chaos...and they may end up locked in the Hague, hopefully soon.

Yes, it is insane the amount of needless suffering, and we must comfort one another, in any way we can.

I do believe your care and compassion and actions, no matter how small, count in a big way as we are so close to tipping the morphogenic field....Love is our evolution and hopefully we are in that direction...together.


Take extra good care, it is heartbreaking.

:grouphug: :cry: :hug:

[CoffeeCat]

5. This tragic disaster is traumatic on many levels...

I was treated for acute PTSD due to my childhood abuse. I'm doing very well now, but the hurricane has stirred up some of my symptoms.

The tragedy and suffering are horrible. Also, the fact that our leader failed these people intentionally and lies about it--is just as traumatic. To witness a powerful person cause destruction, lie and maybe get away with it--is traumatic.

Don't underestimate the effect that this event is having on you. If you're preoccupied with it, feeling depressed, helpess, angry--or if you're having trouble sleeping--please consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in PTSD.

There are many therapists who work on a sliding scale. My therapist sees a certain number of clients for free. If you are affiliated with a church, they may have resources as well.

Posting here is very healthy. TAlk to supportive friends who understand. Here's a good site, for more info on PTSD:
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Anxiety/ptsd_2.asp

[kalibex]

7. *nods*

"Also, the fact that our leader failed these people intentionally and lies about it--is just as traumatic. To witness a powerful person cause destruction, lie and maybe get away with it--is traumatic."

Yup - 'Betrayal' trauma is from what I understand the worst kind.

[anarchy1999]

6. DAMNED STRAIGHT WE DO! I'm getting hardly any sleep!

I feel as though I'm running most of the time on sheer adrenalin.

[BlueIris]

8. Ugh. I was wondering if someone was going to post a link like this.

I'm not saying we don't need it, but it's so depressing to think the damage has reached this level.

[highplainsdem]

9. Here's an award-winning website w/ lots of info & links,

from a psychologist specializing in the treatment of emotional trauma and PTSD:

http://www.trauma-pages.com/index.htm

[H2O Man]

10. A great many people

who experienced the hurricane's devastation will likely have symptoms of PTSD in the long run. That should not be confused with what people not affected by the storm are feeling right now. It is normal to have the range of emotional reaction that people are having.