Untreated PTSD: Impact on the Family of First Responders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental illness that affects first responders disproportionately more than the general population. If left untreated, PTSD can have dangerous, tragic consequences for the affected person and his or her loved ones.
If you or a loved one is a first responder in Washington who suffers from PTSD, please contact Colburn Law immediately. We can help you file for a worker’s compensation claim in Washington, which can help you receive any necessary treatment for your illness.
Why Choose Us?
Colburn Law is dedicated to helping first responders in Washington state receive compensation for any PTSD suffered as a result of their job.
- We have years of experience successfully filing worker’s compensation claims on behalf of our clients.
- We were one of the first law firms to help first responders file PTSD claims and receive their benefits.
- We take a client-first approach to your case, ensuring that all of your needs are met by the end of your proceedings.
- We respect your situation, and will not hesitate to visit your home or place of work to assist you with your PTSD claim.
Causes of PTSD in First Responders
PTSD in first responders and emergency personnel may have multiple causes. This includes:
- A singular major traumatic event. Being involved in a mass-casualty event such as a bombing, shooting, or terrorist attack can make a first responder develop PTSD.
- Accumulated stress due to numerous minor traumatic events. Any repeated exposure to tragic accidents and situations where severe and fatal injuries are involved and slowly cause PTSD to be developed.
- Other chronic workplace stress. Constantly dealing with stressful situations such as extremely long hours, dealing with generally uncooperative people, and even experiencing the behaviors and actions of peers around you can help manifest PTSD.
- Genetic factors that may predispose you to PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Symptoms of PTSD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD manifests itself in four different types of symptoms:
- Re-experiencing symptoms: flashbacks, nightmares, and other frightening thoughts that essentially re-live the traumatic event over and over.
- Avoidance symptoms: staying away from places and other objects that are reminders of the trauma, or otherwise avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the trauma.
- Arousal and reactivity symptoms: insomnia, sudden outbursts of anger, being constantly on edge.
- Cognition and mood symptoms: Depression, anxiety, guilt, blame, general loss of interest in life and activities.
How Untreated PTSD Can Impact Your and Your Family
If left untreated, PTSD can impact you and your family in multiple ways.
- Those with untreated PTSD often turn to drugs and/or alcohol to quiet any troubling thoughts and potentially help them get to sleep.
- Untreated PTSD can often lead to depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation.
- PTSD can leave sufferers feeling disjointed from their life and disconnected from their families, leading to strife in the household.
- Those with PTSD who suffer from outbursts of anger can lead to potentially violent bouts of domestic violence.
Contact Us Today
Suffering PTSD can be a troubling time for the individual, but can also cause incredible grief for any loved ones involved as well. If you or a loved one is a first responder in Washington who is suffering from PTSD, contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you receive compensation, so that you can seek treatment for your disorder.