Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

According to Mayo Clinic, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.” Soldiers who are in the front lines of battle are put under some of the most intense circumstances during combat. In Junger’s Tribe, the author raises some provocative ideas. He cites research showing that likelihood of a veteran suffering PTSD is “in great part a function of their experiences before going to war” (p. 82) He also states “people who fail to overcome trauma tend to be those who are already burdened by psychological issues, either because …show more content…
Proof that exposure to the horrors of war is what causes post-traumatic stress disorder, is in WWI. This was one of the first times the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were acknowledged was during WWI. In earlier wars, PTSD was not commonly known or recognized like it is today. During World War I and WWII soldiers who had the symptoms of PTSD were said to be “shell shocked”. “During the First World War combatants of all armies were prey to nervous disorders or psychological breakdown. These war neuroses were a response to the highly-industrialized nature of the warfare as well as to the fatigue engendered over four years of intense conflict” (Reid, Fiona, Van Everbroeck, Christine) New forms of warfare that were horrific were being used because of the increase in technology. “World War I popularized the use of the machine gun—capable of bringing down row after row of soldiers from a distance on the battlefield. This weapon, along with barbed wire and mines, made movement across open land both difficult and dangerous. Thus trench warfare was born.”- “Sea and airborne weapons made killing from a distance more effective as well. Guns mounted on ships were able to strike targets up to twenty miles inland. The stealth and speed of German submarines gave Germany a considerable advantage in its dominance of the North Sea.” (Library of Congress) These new technologies …show more content…
Researchers discovered that any individual in society could suffer from PTSD. “Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.” (National Institute of Mental Health) As research shows that the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder starts after a person experiences a traumatic event. Someone who lost a child or was in a serious car crash can develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, for veterans, it is the fear, anxiety and what they see that causes the

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