Post-traumatic stress disorder is often associated with our military service members. The mental impairment, however, is not confined to the military. People in all walks of life can suffer from PTSD. The National Institute of Mental Health says that a person can develop PTSD after being exposed to a terrifying event. Southern California residents may suffer from PTSD after being the victim of an assault. Natural disasters or terrifying accidents can trigger PTSD.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder. Its effects can be debilitating. The condition can be treated in many situations, but as news stories roll across the nation’s media outlets, the topics have led many commentators to say that an undue stigma seems to be attaching to the medical condition.
Unfortunately, the media may use PTSD as some kind of scapegoat when discussing an event involving violence that is in the headlines. That may be a reason for the recent concerns that a stigma may be attaching to the anxiety disorder. A psychiatry professor from Georgetown University School of Medicine says that it is a misconception that PTSD leads to violence, according to the Associated Press and the Daily Toreador.
She says, “There are many, many people who have post-traumatic stress disorder who never demonstrated violent behavior,” according to the recent article. A person suffering from PTSD generally suffers internally. The condition may make it difficult for a person to continue to work.
Anxiety disorders are recognized by the Social Security Administration as being potentially disabling mental conditions. A person, whether a veteran, or a worker in any kind of business in the San Diego area, who suffers from PTSD may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The application and potential appeals processes can be cumbersome. A lawyer familiar with the process can help a disabled person in seeking benefits through the federal program.
Source: Daily Toreador, “PTSD affects servicemen, civilians,” Kaitlin Bain, April 9, 2014