Locals discuss ways to help those who suffer from PTSD

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an illness people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event.

The African American Military History Museum held an awareness seminar Thursday to discuss ways that can help benefit veterans and locals who either have or know someone with PTSD.

Veteran, Ralph Lindsey said, "It affects a lot of us, not necessarily right away. It affects you as time pass."

Lindsey said he fought in the Vietnam War and began to suffer from PTSD as he got older.

"PTSD will destroy individual lives without help and without understanding. So not only do we want to ensure those who are suffering with PTSD, we want to make sure that they get the correct help," said veteran, Ammie L. Davis.

A person suffering from PTSD may be unsociable, very agitated, and extremely alert with their surroundings. But with more awareness, there is hope.

"The awareness approach has been tremendous. People are studying it more. There's more research being done. Also, those who have suffered from it are now saying that they are willing to get help for it," said Davis.

If you have PTSD or know someone who does, you should contact a physician to receive the proper care.