Post-traumatic stress disorder
For the young, overcoming trauma requires a safe place
Anxiety: When you need to worry
Signs and Symptoms
Avoidance and numbing
Increased anxiety and emotional arousal
Diagnosis According to the National Mental Health Institute, to be diagnosed with PTSD a person demonstrates symptoms in all three categories for at least one month:
A mental health professional should confirm the diagnosis |
Do you think you have PTSD? Ask yourself a few questions |
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In your life, have you ever had any experience that was so frightening, horrible or upsetting that, in the past month, you:
2. Tried hard not to think about it or went out of your way to avoid
3. Were constantly on guard, watchful or easily startled?
4. Felt numb or detached from others, activities or your surroundings?
Current research suggests that if you answered “yes” to any three questions, you might have PTSD. If so, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional. PTSD is highly treatable with psychotherapy (talk therapy), drug therapy or a combination of both. Source: Prins et alia, (2004). The primary care PTSD screen (PC–PTSD): Corrigendum. Primary Care Psychiatry, 9, 151 |
1. Have had nightmares about it or thought about it when you did not When the stress is too much to handle alone ask for help |
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Need more information?
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If PTSD is not diagnosed and treated it can lead to other mental health disorders, such as depression and alcohol or drug abuse. In some cases the person suffering from trauma has thoughts of suicide. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, or if you know someone who is having these thoughts, seek help right away. Call your doctor, 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK. 
When the stress is too much to handle alone ask for help
DANA-FARBER/HARVARD CANCER CENTER Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities 2011 National Minority Cancer Awareness |
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All events are open to the public |
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Another good reason to visit the dentist |
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research |
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week is May 8 – 14. |
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Get screened for head and neck
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Risk Factors
It’s not possible to predict who will get PTSD; it occurs in people of all ages and races. Some factors, however, may increase its risk:
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Generally, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are
subdivided into three main categories. More
When the stress is too much to handle alone ask for help
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Nearly 20 years have passed and Tina Chéry still remembers the shock of hearing the news that her son had been murdered. Louis was 15 years old at the time when he was caught in crossfire near Field’s Corner. Ironically, he was on his way to a Teens Against Gang Violence meeting. More
For the young, overcoming trauma requires
a safe place
To this day, Alexis doesn’t remember how she ended up on Massachusetts Avenue in the middle of the night, high on drugs, wandering aimlessly along one of Boston’s busiest thoroughfares. More
Anxiety:
When you need
to worry
Everyone experiences anxiety. It’s impossible to skate through life without it. Anxiety and fear are natural reactions when you’re faced with a threat to your well-being. In fact, a jolt of anxiety can drive you to study for a test, polish a presentation or hop out of the way of danger. More