Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a condition that causes the subject great distress including reliving a traumatic event. PTSD can come about as a result of experiences with many horrific situations including:
- rape
- war
- natural disasters
- abuse
- serious accidents or
- from observing or hearing of a violent or catastrophic incident
Substance abuse frequently manifests itself in women with PTSD. PTSD in both men and women can possibly increase the need for drugs or alcohol. As a result, self-medicating is often used as a way of mitigating the traumatic feelings associated with PTSD. Over 27 percent of women that suffer from this disorder resort to drugs and alcohol. Considering that almost half of women will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, there is the potential for significant abuse. Sexual assault is the most common cause of PTSD.
Some good ideas to help with PTSD are to find a therapist, join a support group, and find a peer mentor or meditation. Sharing your fears, feelings and experiences can help lessen the burden.
