Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Will it Affect You and Your Family?

Post-traumatic stress can occur acutely (soon after a trauma) or in a delayed onset (months and years after the traumatic event). Studies have shown that soldiers who experienced traumatic events in their past had a greater likelihood of developing PTSD during a military engagement.  That is why some soldiers go to war and come home with PTSD while other's having been through the same situation come home seemingly unscathed.  

Hurricane Sandy and all things associated with the Super Storm will bring on a wave of both physical and emotional disturbances for you, your friends and family. It is extremely important that you are aware that a traumatic event like Hurricane Sandy can trigger Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Signs and symptoms of PTSD may start to occur in just seven days after the adrenaline rush from the event starts to wane.  

Hurricane Sandy has been very traumatic for ALL of us at many different levels.  Whether you, your family, your friends or someone you know casually endured loss of electricity & other essential services,  lack of communication, damage to property, total loss of property/home and the worse possible loss – the loss of life; Storm Sandy (pre, during and post) has left us with unsettled minds and 'unnerved' our bodies – physically, biochemically and emotionally- beyond our conscious knowledge.  You may feel anxious and like you are on “your last nerve,” minor physical movements cause you pain and/or you “pull a muscle,” you may get a cold/ sore throat, eating gives you indigestion and multitude of other symptoms may occur. The sympathetic (flight/flight) part of your nervous system is on over-load! Be aware, PTSD usually hits Type A people more severely. They may start to experience a loss of their self-confidence and self-esteem often referred to as their “MOJO.” 

To help you cope in the present and decrease and/or eliminate the chances of PTSD, I highly recommend you contact our office or your regular chiropractor for care as soon as possible to decrease, release and reorganize the stresses you have endured with these recent events..and please don’t forget the children.  While they may have enjoyed “no school” for days or even weeks their little minds & bodies pick up on the vibration of all the adults around them and the visual exposure to the media coverage of the tragic event (one plus to not having power & cable) can be frightening to children (and adults).  Sleeping and eating challenges may occur, as well as, mood swings. The younger children may start wetting the bed again or revert back to things they did as a toddler.  Older children may act out, be quick to anger and have extreme emotional outbursts.  Other Common Signs and Symptoms:

1. Light headedness

2. Achiness - generalized

3. Depression

4. Tightness in chest or sharp rib pain

5. Low energy

6. Lack of enthusiasm

7. Lack of sex drive

8. Change in lifestyle pattern; exercising, drinking, going out, ...

9. Generalized anxiety

10. Just not feeling right

11. Annoyed easily

12. Lack of patience

13. Fatigue but can't sleep 

So….What can you do? 

 Here are a few things to help you and your families manage:

Be patient with one another (adults & children) Be kind to yourself & allow yourself to grieve -being the “strong one” all the time is very stressful.  

Give to those less fortunate than yourself and your family. Even if it is a can of soup. Helping others will give you all a feeling of joy and gratitude.  Neurologically, these feelings engage parts of your brain that will allow you to be in a better state of wellbeing.

Encourage your children to be part of the giving process, whether it is letting them pick out the soup or picking out clothes (they do not need) to give to another child who lost their home. Explain to them they will be giving joy to others. 

Find activities that help you cope with stress like exercise (especially yoga).   

Being aware of the signs and symptoms is the first step. Please contact me with your concerns; I am here for you and your families.  Addressing the concerns now will help you in the future.

If additional, alternative and/or adjunct care is necessary or required, I will refer you to and help you connect with the right health care professionals.

Donate $60(or more) in exchange for a comprehensive evaluation and your first Adjustment. All money collected will go to New York associations such as Long Island Xares 

Dr. Robyn Croutch 516 944-4469