1. Before we start… O One piece of paper per group O Don’t let other groups hear your answers O Give me as many words or phrases that come to your mind when I say…

2. PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBUjLXt edfc

3. What is it? O A mental health problem that can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event O Events can include: O War O Natural disasters O Crashes O Assault (rape, physical assault) O Abuse or neglect O Sudden death of a loved one

4. How does it feel? O Following a traumatic event, it is normal to feel upset, have flashbacks, or have bad dreams O If these feeling occur for an extended period of time, you may have PTSD

5. Signs and Symptoms O Re-experiencing the traumatic event O Flashbacks O Nightmares O Intense physical reactions to reminders O Having a helicopter fly overhead

6. Signs and Symptoms O Avoidance and numbing O Avoiding activities, places, feelings, or thoughts that remind you of the trauma O Loss of interest in activities and life O depression O Feeling detached from others and feeling emotionally numb O Some turn to substance abuse O Sense of limited future O You don’t see yourself getting old, getting married, going to college, etc

7. Signs and Symptoms O Increased anxiety O Difficulty falling and staying asleep O Outbursts of anger O Difficulty concentrating O Hyper-vigilance O Being on constant “red alert” O Feeling jumpy

8. Types of Treatment O Cognitive-behavioral therapy O Counseling O Family therapy O PTSD will affect your relationships with others O Medication O Antidepressants

9. What can YOU do? SUPPORT STRATEGIES O Be supportive and understanding. O Spend time with the person. Listen to him or her. O Never underestimate the person’s abilities. O Encourage the person to follow his or her treatment plan and seek out support services. O Become informed about mental illness.

10. Language Matters…. O What is the difference…… O The deaf girl VS the girl who is deaf O The depressed boy VS the boy who has depression O The bipolar lady VS the lady who has bipolar disorder Put the PERSON first! The illness NEVER defines the person…..

11. Health Care Professionals O Psychologist O Social Worker O Marriage and Family Counselor O Individual Professional Counselor or Therapist O Psychiatric Nurse O Psychiatrist O Psychoanalyst O Hypnotherapist