June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day. Learn about PTSD and available resources at WCC.
What is PTSD?
Black’s Medical Dictionary, 43rd Edition describes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this way:
It “is one of several psychiatric disorders that can develop in people exposed to severe trauma … Most people exposed to trauma do not develop psychiatric disorder; however, some develop immediate distress and, occasionally, the reaction can be delayed for many months. Someone with PTSD has regular recurrences of memories or images of the stressful event (‘flashbacks’), especially when reminded of it. Insomnia, feelings of guilt and isolation, an inability to concentrate and irritability may result. Depression is very common. Support from friends and family is probably the best management, but those who do not recover quickly can be helped by antidepressants and psychological treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy.”
Library Resources
Post-traumatic stress disorder (print book, 2012) by Stanley Krippner, Daniel B. Pitchford, and Jeannine Davies
“…details the insidious nature and history of PTSD, from the internal and external factors that cause this form of suffering to the ways it manifests itself psychologically and socially. The most cutting-edge research on treatment, intervention, and prevention is thoroughly discussed, as are the spiritual and psychological strengths that can emerge when one progresses beyond the label of ‘disorder’ and becomes a survivor.”
Haunted by combat: understanding PTSD in war veterans (print book, 2010) by Daryl S. Paulson and Stanley Krippner
“Examines how soldiers returning from combat from World War II to the present have been afflicted with post traumatic stress disorder and explores how treatments have changed over time and what can be done to help soldiers better cope with the horrors of war.”
The evil hours: a biography of post-traumatic stress disorder (print book, 2015) by David J. Morris
“Through interviews with individuals living with PTSD, forays into the scientific, literary, and cultural history of the illness, and memoir, Morris crafts a moving work that will speak not only to those with the condition and to their loved ones, but also to all of us struggling to make sense of an anxious and uncertain time.”
The PTSD behavioral activation workbook: activities to help you rebuild your life from post-traumatic stress disorder (eBook, 2020) by Matthew Jakupcak, Amy W. Wagner, and Christopher R. Martell
“If you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reliving the past through trauma-focused treatments may be too painful a place to start. Behavioral activation—the powerful treatment method outlined in this workbook—provides an essential foundation for recovery by shifting the focus of your trauma to the things in life that give you true fulfillment, joy, and value.”
Measuring the effects of racism: guidelines for the assessment and treatment of race-based traumatic stress injury (eBook, 2020) by Robert T. Carter and Alex L. Pieterse
“…offers a new framework of race-based traumatic stress that helps legitimize psychological reactions to experiences of racism.”
WCC Counseling
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, a counselor may be able to help. See WCC’s Counseling Center for resources.