by Daniel G. O'Leary

Created on: January 21, 2011   Last Updated: January 22, 2011

PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be experienced by anyone, young or old, male or female, it matters not. Witnessing or experiencing a tragic accident, the death of a loved one, physical abuse, mental abuse, neglect, rejection, any or all can severely impact any person to the point where life as they knew it, would never be the same again.

The person experiences a sensationalism so overwhelming and captivating that it seems as if every second lasts an eternity. The senses capture every smell, sound, touch, taste, sight, and imprint them within the mind for all of time.

So anyone, of any age, can suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, that's why it's pretty important for all of us to be familiar with what it is.

Granted, certain professions increase the likelihood of exposure to traumatic events; military service, law enforcement, fire/rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), health care (ie Doctors, Nurses). But a special note here, often people just trying to survive circumstances become the victims, and as victims of such circumstances (ie, homeless, uninsured, unwanted), have NO support network. Without a support network, they have not the means to even be diagnosed, let alone treated.

That being said, life in most of the professions mentioned is routine and at times, actually uneventful. But, then hell breaks loose, bullets fly, bombs explode, buildings collapse, fires rage, vehicles are mangled, flesh burns, people scream, violence and chaos rule.

I can tell you first hand, such horrific violent moments truly overwhelm your being, and yet you still carry out your task as you had planned and practiced a thousand times. With just the mention of burning flesh, I can feel my heart beginning to race, I can smell the odor as if it was happening right now, I can hear the screams of the persons I've had to try and hold still while waiting for more help to arrive. With my eyes locked shut, I could describe every feature of their entire beings, and state the time of their demise.

On a picture perfect brilliant day, in the safety and security of my peaceful neighborhood, I could hear a song on the radio, a song that I had heard in the background on some horrific day, and in a mere wink of my eye, I'm gone, reliving the event as if it was happening again.

You're scared to death to tell anyone what you're experiencing because you don't want them to think you're weak, or afraid, or nuts. So, you suffer in silence, and eventually learn some way to cope on your own (generally, by becoming withdrawn or completely absorbed in your work or hobby). Unfortunately, other areas of your life are seriously neglected or forgotten. Over time, you wind up destroying everything that matters to you, family, friendships, etc.

You have to get help, you have to seek out assistance. You have to accept the reality that with effort, with guidance, with communication, life can and will go on. No it won't ever be the same, but maybe, just maybe it can be even better. With strength restored, hope and faith renewed, you can reach out and help another, and then another, and then another.

Each and every one of us is significant, has a purpose, and when we look within our minds and hearts and  find our passion, pursue it, the World, Our World benefits.

I urge each and everyone of you to learn more about PTSD, seek guidance and assistance if you need it, reach out to others if they need it, and get on with living. We've been given an opportunity to live, shall We begin?

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