Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Long Term Disability

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that begins after a traumatic event. That event may involve a real or perceived threat of injury or death.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can include:

• a natural disaster like an earthquake or tornado
• military combat
• physical or sexual assault or abuse
• an accident

People with PTSD feel a heightened sense of danger. Their natural fight-or-flight response is altered, causing them to feel stressed or fearful, even when they’re safe. PTSD can happen to anyone at any age. It occurs as a response to chemical and neuronal changes in the brain after exposure to threatening events.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Stress Disorder can disrupt your normal activities and your ability to function. Words, sounds, or situations that remind you of trauma can trigger your symptoms.

Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder fall into four groups:

Intrusion

• flashbacks where you feel like you relive the event over and over
• vivid, unpleasant memories of the event
• frequent nightmares about the event
• intense mental or physical distress when you think about the event

Avoidance

Avoidance, as the name implies, means avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the traumatic event.

Arousal and reactivity

• trouble concentrating
• startling easily and having an exaggerated response when you’re startled
• a constant feeling of being on edge
• irritability
• bouts of anger

Cognition and mood

• negative thoughts about yourself
• distorted feelings of guilt, worry, or blame
• trouble remembering important parts of the event
• reduced interest in activities you once loved

In addition, people with PTSD may experience depression and panic attacks. Treatments for PTSD include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. If you have PTSD, early treatment can help relieve your symptoms. It can also give you effective strategies for coping with intrusive thoughts, memories, and flashbacks.

Through therapy, support groups, and medication, you can get on the road to recovery. Always keep in mind that you’re not alone. Support is available if and when you need it: you can call Share Lawyers to help you with how to navigate this difficult time, particularly if your insurance company has denied your claim.

Here at Share Lawyers we have extensive experience disability claims and especially in handling cases involving individuals who have been diagnosed with with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We understand the patience and consideration that is needed to handle such a case, together with the need for sound legal advice. When you are suffering from these symptoms you are not at your best and need the steady compassionate advice of experienced lawyers to assist you in navigating your way to fair and equitable resolution of your claim. We encourage you to contact us to consult about your long term disability claim, to see if we can be of assistance to you and your family.