Cont wk11 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cont wk11 - Essay Example This constant threat creates challenges when they return to civilian life, and decreases their ability to function well. The major symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, irritability, flashbacks, feelings of detachment, trouble concentrating, and problems sleeping (Weiten, 2001). PTSD encompasses an individuals entire life. In trying to separate it into specific points of view, this researcher found that the literature on the topic did not categorize the problem in the ways that the textbook did. The reason for this is because PTSD has characteristics of many perspectives rolled into one. From the psychological point of view, PTSD is a mental health issue that also carries with it depression and anxiety. These issues create a need for obsessive behaviors or to drug and alcohol abuse. As an example, Tuerk, Graubaugh, Hamner and Foa (2009) studied veterans deployed in Iraq and found that many had developed an obsessive need for safety once they returned home. They also became hyper vigilant, over possessive of their families, and many kept a loaded gun under their pillow (Friedman, 2006). These behaviors are not isolated incidents. They generally happen as a result of a noise or situation that happens in the individuals normal environment. As an example, a barking dog or a car back firing can create a PTSD episode. Sometimes these behaviors can make the individual a danger to themselves and/or others. The soldier with PTSD due to combat stress also has common stressors that may add to their episodes of PTSD. As an example, when they rejoin civilian life, their home has changed, responsibilities have changed, and there can be more incidences of family discord. In looking at the psycho-social aspects of PTSD, many soldiers withdraw from friends and family because the family no longer recognizes the role of the deployed person in the family. This can bring about feelings of isolation and loss (National Center for PTSD). Memory plays a large