What is PTSD?

Written By Travis Whitlock

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as PTSD) is a stress disorder that occurs after being traumatized by a terrifying event such as; a natural disaster, an act of violence that may or may not have caused physical injuries, sexual violence, etc.

Symptoms Possibly Include:

  1. Intrusive Thoughts- Intrusive thoughts are involuntarily memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks of traumatic events. People who suffer from traumatic events could also be seeing and actively relive these memories as if they were right in front of them.

  2. Avoidance- People with the symptom of avoidance often resist talking about what happened and how they feel, in fact, this is a conscious way of trying to forget the event. People who also have this symptom also have the tendency to avoid people, places, and objects that could trigger these memories.

  3. Alterations in cognition and mood- It is highly common with this symptom to not remember the event or for the event to be distorted in the memory, negative thoughts, and ongoing feelings about oneself and others around them. Often experiences feelings of distrust, ongoing fear, anger, guilt, or shame, very likely to be less interested in activities they previously enjoyed; usually feels detached from others or environments.

  4. Alterations in arousal or reactivity- These symptoms may include being irritable and having angry outbursts; behaving recklessly and self-destructive, being overtly watchful in one’s surroundings in a respectful way, being easily startled, and having a difficult time concentrating when sleeping.

Statistics on how many men in the U.S. have and deal with PTSD

These statistics are out of 100%. They have been collected by nationally and internationally recognized institutions for accurate numbers.

Travis Whitlock

My name is Travis Whitlock and I am the founder of Fathers With PTSD. I am a United States Marine Corp Veteran and have served in the military honorably for five years. I am also a father and I have suffered from post traumatic stress disorder for many years and it is still something that I continue to battle with in my own life. I knew that I had PTSD for some years now, but I didn’t realize that the disorder is not just for those who are dealing with the after affects of being in the military. This disorder can affect any and everyone who has been through a life changing, traumatic event. I know from first hand experience that my PTSD has not only affected my life, but it has also affected the friends and family around me as well. I decided through my own healing journey and understanding how to deal with my issues in healthier way to create Fathers with PTSD. Fathers with PTSD is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Through my organization, I hope to empower fathers, like myself and people from all walks of life through enlightenment, education, and inspiration to help neutralize living with PTSD.