If a friend has untreated PTSD are they in danger?

Answer 1

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Many PTSD sufferers are able to work it out on their own and are in no danger of a violent outbuurst, others do it with help from an psychiatrist.

It is not a given that a PTSD sufferer must vent their anger or frustration, and there are many more who have it than those who have done so.

The following paragraph is an attempt to explain what someone may be feeling who has PTSD, but is not what all are feeling.

Many factors come into play. PTSD is sort of like adrenaline (sp). Have you ever been in a fight and you have made up your mind to beat your opponent senseless? You heightened expectations automatically produce much adrenaline and the latter helps you in strength and agility and the like. You figure it'll be over in about 5 minutes (there's your mind working) but someone comes along and pulls your opponent away 15 seconds into the fight. Did you notice your agitated state when that happened? That's the adrenaline still in your body; you have to work it out. You still have (your mind says) 4 minutes and 45 seconds of anger, hatred, and all kinds of strong emotions and you have to work it out.

Notice also the last lap by runners - ever hear the phrase "and they're pouring it out now - every ounce they can". The body calls on some adrenaline for the last few hundred yards. Notice the runner keeps on running after the finish line? He or she knows the rules - it has to be worked out.

PTSD is much the same way, in my opinion. It has to be worked out. I have a friend that even 30 years after returning from war, would walk on the roof of his house, on guard duty. He wired his fence with 120 voltage until his neighbor (his friend) asked him to stop - "I'm tired of seeing my dogs in the morning well done". (does that anger you? get over it) That friend of mine worked it out with careful medical care, reading about the disorder, talking to another veteran. Now he has no intention of ever returning to those areas of his life and has a very successful chauffer buisness. One of the best auto mechanics I've ever know, and a loving wife and family. But it takes work.

Your friend has to work it out. Tell your friend to take that "badge of honor" off his chest and visit a professional. If he's a veteran, the VA is available. Tell him he has a right to seek the right person to help him. A very good friend once walked into a room and a 21 year old tried to talk to him. He walked right out, told the clerk to call him when the appropriate mental health worker was in the room and left.

It has to be worked out with reading (Patience Mason wrote about the disorder. get her books), he or she has to talk it out. Find someone that experiences the same problem but don't try to outdo the other person. Just talk. I always use the analogy of the Pepsi bottle (the old kind). You used to be able to shake it and when you took the cap off, it would fizz all over the place. Your friend is the Pepsi and society is shaking him. Take the cap off (talk) slowly (read). As time goes on, he'll probably see a change.

Above all, pray. Pray Pray Pray. Psalms 111:10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Help your friend work it out.