Even during what might be termed “normal” times, people from all walks of life in California and spanning the country face myriad challenges and linked pressures.
Modern life unquestionably ushers in change across virtually every dimension, ranging from evolving workplace realities to high-tech evolutions wrought by constantly introduced next-stage technologies.
Most of us cope with the pace and adjustments. In some instances, though, a situation or event proves to be so singular and unsettling for an individual that he or she becomes seriously traumatized as a result.
Understandably, as noted by a recent article in a national publication spotlighting post-traumatic stress syndrome, that outcome can inflict “a heavy psychological toll.”
What is PTSD, and how serious is it?
Perhaps the most fundamental point to note concerning PTSD is that it is an understandable – even predictable – response to a catalyst or condition that is far from ordinary. One mental health expert terms post-traumatic stress disorder episodes as “normal reactions to abnormal circumstances.”
It is not hard to compile a list of professional occupations that deal in an outsized way with PTSD. Those centrally include jobs like these:
- Police officers
- Fire fighters
- Military servicemembers
- Emergency personnel
- Medical care providers
What is more common to that demographic than for other occupational groups is the frequency with which serious and notably traumatizing on-the-job events occur. A mass shooting is an obvious example. Tensions unique to a war zone, a raging fire or a serious vehicle accident are additional PTSD catalysts.
Such events/circumstances can understandably overwhelm individuals who are centrally called to deal with them. The adverse effects of PTSD that are not recognized, treated or often logically responded to by long-term therapy and related disability benefits can leave permanent injuries.
Key symptoms and treatment options for PTSD
We note on our website at the proven San Joaquin Valley ERISA Law Center in Fresno the often debilitating and lasting effects of PTSD. Although the symptoms can vary from case to case, our deep legal team stresses that these three major categories can be spotlighted:
- Reliving the event (e.g., through nightmares and flashbacks)
- Arousal (prominently defined by responses linked to concentration difficulties, anger, lashing out and disrupted sleeping patterns)
- Avoidance (mannerisms and behaviors that seek to minimize or tune out experienced trauma)
Fortunately, PTSD is becoming progressively more understood and less stigmatized, with victims being empowered to deal with its challenges. We note on our website that these days there are a multitude of treatment options available “that can help individuals cope with their symptoms and regain control over their lives.”
Having noted that, it is also necessary to point out that insurance companies often seek to challenge individuals with PTSD and minimize or deny outright their claims. That is true even for persons approved for and receiving long-term disability benefits.
It is the job of an experienced and empathetic disability legal team to respond forcefully and effectively to such attempts. Any individual who is currently suffering from an insurer’s blowback might reasonably want to reach out promptly for proven advocacy.