Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is mainly caused by the devastating effects of traumatic events. It develops form constant fear, worrying, or sadness associated with events such as death or violence (Kiato and Pitman, 2006). This paper addresses what PTSDs are and talks about the roles of public health and of individuals in curtailing PTSD.
Introduction
PTSDs are largely associated with events. Examples of events that lead to PTSD include terrorist attacks, natural calamities such as earthquakes and genocide, severe road accidents, and war. It mainly affects victims of these events and destabilizes their psychological and emotional well-being (Kiato and Pitman, 2006). PTSD emanates from brain issues that lead to poor concentration, restlessness, insomnia, extreme avoidance, and irritability. It is caused by brain issues such as psychological trauma, neuroendrocrinlogy, and neuroanatomy.
Role of public health
Public health plays a grandiose role in control and prevention of PTSD. Its main role is to implement initiatives that reduce exposure of individuals to PTSD’s risk factors. These include education people on dangers and consequences of domestic violence and war (Stein et al, 2002). For example, they educate people on the safe handling of handguns in order to avoid cases of violence. In addition, public health intervenes on behalf of victims of such incidents by advocating for policies that encourage exposure of people to such situations (Stein et al, 2002). For example, it advocates for stringent polices that discourage domestic violence, which is a leading cause of PTSD. Public health officials are also involved in conducting research to evaluate the extent to which PTSD affects the population in order to develop strategies to control it (Stein et al, 2002). Such research helps them to determine the percentage of the population that is at risk of occurrences such as war and violence. To reduce road accidents, they advocate for stringent traffic rules that ensure that drivers drive safely and reduce the possibility of causing accidents.
Role of individuals in controlling PTSD
Individuals play a critical role in management of PTSD. Individuals should not visit places that bring back memories of events such as wars, genocide, violence, or severe road accidents. Therapy is one of the ways of controlling and preventing PTSD. It is the role of an individual to participate in therapy as directed by a professional (Vasterling and Brewin, 2005). As such, an individual is required to develop ways to cope with traumatic events to avoid being a victim. In addition, it is important for an individual to gain control over life because PTSD can easily cause helplessness and hopelessness. The individual should get professional help upon realization of some or all symptoms of PTSD. Help should be sought early enough because early intervention is always the best cure for the condition.
Conclusion
Mental issues such as psychological trauma, neuroendrocrinlogy, and neuroanatomy cause posttraumatic stress disorder. The effects of these factors on the brain cause it. Common causes include wars, domestic violence, and severe accidents. Public health’s role in control and prevention of PTSD include implementation of policies that reduce exposure to risk factors and offering help to victims. Individual roles include seeking timely professional help and controlling one’s life.
References
Kiato, N., and Pitman, R. (2006). PTSD: Brain Mechanism and Clinical Implications. New
York: Springer.
Stein, D., Friedman, M., and Blanco, C. (2002). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. New York:
John Wiley & Sons.
Vasterling, J., and Brewin, C. (2005). Neuropsychology of PTSD: Biological, Cognitive, and
clinical Perspectives. New York: Guilford Press.
