PTSI

Words have meaning and power.  We learn from a young age how to use our words, sometimes to hurt, to soothe.  Words are important.  So in our attempt to move forward and advocate for change should we not be very careful with the words we choose.  The diagnosis is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.  Disorder is defined as- disorder /dis·or·der/ (dis-or´der) a derangement or abnormality of function; a morbid physical or mental state. a derangement or abnormality, so Post Traumatic Stress Disorder would mean an abnormality caused by traumatic stress after the trauma has occurred.  Fair enough, so why is disorder not the way to go.    When it comes to Operational Stress injuries ( injuries that are caused by the stressors at work), is disorder really the appropriate word?

Many groups continue to advocate for a change in the name of this disorder/injury.   I personally feel the change  lends itself to perception and stopping the stigma.  In the tough world of first responders and military, the members themselves need to understand  that they were injured.  That it is not a sign or a weak mind.  I believe words do matter and that people have a far better understanding of a broken leg needing a cast then of Post traumatic Stress needing care.  People ( be it the injured themselves, their bosses or family etc)  don’t understand how two cops can go to the same call and one walks away unscathed ( for now) and the other does not.  How is that any different from a broken leg.  Two people could be in the same care crash and one breaks their leg and the other does not…do we blame weak bones?  Do we know if one has had more trauma to the leg? Maybe a break as a child or sports injury etc?

Words do matter. Post Traumatic Stress is an Operational Stress Injury, I for one, will try my best to use THAT language