Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is not just something that affects emergency workers who help at disaster sites.

It is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience, or witnessing, of life-threatening events, such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents or violent personal assaults.

And it generally affects 10 percent of everyone who is part of a traumatic scenario.

Symptoms of the disorder are both biological and physiological.

Most survivors of trauma return to normal life given a little time, but some people will have stress reactions that do not go away on their own. They may even get worse over time. These individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

Most people do not see themselves as needing mental health services following a disaster and will not seek help, and some survivors may reject disaster assistance of all types.

People who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder often relieve the experience through flashbacks and nightmares. They may have difficulty sleeping and have a feeling of being detached or estranged. These symptoms can be severe enough and last long enough to significantly impair a person’s life.

Social support has been proven to provide significant help to people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Communication is the key, he said. Listen and encourage people to talk when they are ready. Validate emotional reactions of people and communicate with them person-to-person rather than “expert” to “victim” using straightforward terms.

Help identify ways to relax and take time to resolve day-to-day conflicts so they do not build on their stress. The time to refer someone to mental health services is when they shows signs of disorientation, depression, anxiety, an inability to care for themselves, if they become suicidal or start abusing drugs or alcohol.

When there is a need to seek outside help, call Whiteside County Health Department at (815) 626-2230.