A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION
DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY OF COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING
INFORMATION AND PERSONAL SUPPORT BY REAL PEOPLE
What would happen if there was a disease in this country that had killed hundreds of thousands over the decades and inhibits the lives or disables thousands of people in this country?
This disease causes many thousands of people to live like hermits in the mountains and forests or bunker down in their own homes just to survive. This would make headlines. The people of the country would want research on the causes of the illness and ways to help its to survivors lead productive and normal lives. Private and governmental monies would be available to find a cure. This would be considered to be of monumental importance in our society.
This disease does exist. It is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Most people do not even know about this disease. Many that know people with PTSD assume it is a mental disease. It is not a mental illness; it is the body’s natural reaction to a traumatic stress. War is a common cause. Every war has its victims. In addition to war, an individual can also develop PTSD through traumas in every day life. This includes rapes (male and female); severe beating or physical assault; other sexual assault; serious accident or injury; shooting or stabbing; sudden death of a family member or friend; witness to killing or serious injury; natural disasters; and now terrorism. None of us are immune.
There is no cure for PTSD, but there is hope. Through medications and counseling it is possible to exercise more control over the illness. Survivors need to know that there is hope to live a better life.
The primary objective of this organization is to provide assistance to veterans and others with PTSD, primarily from peers, others who have or are experiencing the same traumas. We will also disseminate information to the public about PTSD, traumas, and the effect it has on lives of the survivor and those that love them.
http://www.ptsd-alliance.org/
