Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

PTSD, as defined by the National Institute of Health (NIMH), is an anxiety disorder that can be experienced after seeing or living through a dangerous or traumatic event. The emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD fall within three categories: Re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance symptoms, and hyperarousal symptoms. It is important to your health to recognize these symptoms of PTSD and know resources for seeking help.

See Where to Get Help at the bottom of the page.

Think you might have PTSD? Mental Health America offers an online PTSD Test to print and bring to a mental health professional for appropriate determination and treatment options.  

CRNAs and PTSD

See Burnout and Nurse Anesthesia Professionals

Adverse EventsPTSD can occur in both personal and professional situations for a variety of events. Nurse anesthetists and student nurse anesthetists, like other health care professionals, face workplace situations that can trigger PTSD; military nurse anesthetists in service to our country can have an increased likelihood. Other CRNA workplace events that have the potential to cause trauma:  

Veterans and PTSDPTSD Treatment

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD is the nation’s leading provider of care for PTSD with nearly 500,000 veterans currently in treatment. VA has many entry points to care through the use of veterans readjustment counseling centers, the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, press 1), and integration of mental health services in the primary care setting. Since 2007, VA has seen a 35 percent increase in the number of veterans receiving mental health services, and a 41 percent increase in mental health staff. 

Where to Get Help

According to Mental Health America, “No single resource can solve everyone’s mental health problems.”  The AANA shares the following as resources to begin your search to find the appropriate help you need.

Health professionals recommend seeking emotional support, such as peer support, self-help groups, or counseling. But when symptoms last longer than a month or affect ability to function, seek professional counseling. Counseling options may be found through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if your workplace has one, or ask your personal healthcare provider for recommendations.

Are you feeling emotional trauma following an adverse event? See Adverse Events

PTSD Alliance suggests, “If you are unsure of where you can go to get help for PTSD, look for mental health or medical professionals in your area, such as:

PTSD Best Treatment

    • Your family doctor
    • Your OB/GYN
    • Social workers
    • Mental health counselors
    • Community mental health clinics
    • Support groups
    • Private clinics
    • Psychiatric services at local universities, schools, or hospitals"

 

For help finding a therapist, try the following resources:

*See infographics

Note: Links to external sites are provided as a convenience and do not imply endorsement. AANA Health & Wellness is not responsible for any content on these websites but hopes they help support your well-being.