• Question: I've been wondering about post traumatic stress effect on people / army life in war zone countries and areas around the world. Can this have long term or short term affect on the person and what can they do about it.

    Asked by 739strk46 to Chris, Georgina, Kristi, Laura, Livia on 7 Nov 2017.
    • Photo: Kristi Sawyer

      Kristi Sawyer answered on 7 Nov 2017:

      Thank you for the question! Unfortunately you are right, people who have escaped or lived through war or other conflicts can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions. The good news is that because we know this, doctors are aware of the risks and can keep a closer eye on those they think may be at risk. There are a lot of types of therapy which can help a person to work through traumatic memories and help them to live comfortable lives. The more we deal with these issues, the more we learn and get better at helping.

    • Photo: Livia Carvalho

      Livia Carvalho answered on 7 Nov 2017:

      These can have an impact on people but particularly on vulnerable individuals. The problem so far is that we still do not know who can be considered vulnerable, and therefore, we still dont know who to advise otherwise….

    • Photo: Laura Ginesi

      Laura Ginesi answered on 7 Nov 2017:

      Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) makes people feel very anxious – so much so that it really interferes with their ability to carry out everyday things. I’ve worked with people who have this disorder. horrid.

      Sometimes PTSD can happen to people who have been involved in – or observed – frightening, life-threatening situations. or been in dramatic situations. But not everyone who is in these situations develops the disorder.
      sometimes people are busy coping with the dreadful event in their life that the PTSD doesn’t develop for a long time – which can make the person really unwell if they are not coping. It can be difficult for their families, too.

      Health professionals better understand who might be at risk of developing it and there is better knowledge of approaches that can help people rebuild their lives.

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