A working definition
The human brain will most likely remember the occurence of any event, whether a positive or else a negative one, when that event has a significant emotional charge connected with it.
Positive event: You remember your wedding day forever because of the related significant (positive) emotional charge.
Negative event: September 11, 2001. You remember much detail of that day because of the related significant (negative) emotional charge.
When you are exposed to a significant NEGATIVE emotional event, it is likely that you will experience troublesome symptoms of stress. These symptoms may be physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioiral and they can be mild, moderate or severe. They usually appear within 24 hours of the stressful event or the appearance of symptoms may be delayed for hours, days, weeks, months or even years.
Particularly since the intensity, duration and frequency of the occurence of symptoms can interfere with normal life functioning, any person who has experienced a stressful event should seek assistance from a mental health professional experienced with assisting people who have been exposed to potentially traumatizing events.
Going to war is obviously a highly stressful occurence and therefore has great potential for traumatizing military personnel involved. Returning veterans must be aware of the possibility that they may develop symptoms as noted above.
Dr. Bob at Pitt-Johnstown's Personal Counseling Center has been to war and has provided psychological counseling and facilitated rap groups for numerous returning war veterans. (Click here to learn more about rap groups). He knows from first hand experience how war veterans are at risk for developing Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Individual counseling and rap groups are available to registered Pitt-Johnstown students who are war veterans. Given Dr. Bob's experience and expertise, he is uniquely qualified and honored to be of assistance to Pitt-Johnstown's vets.
Vets helping vets is what works.
Contact Dr. Bob:
Telephone: (814) 269-7119
Email: yaskanic@pitt.edu
