Post Traumatic Stress

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder -
The Hidden Epidemic in Our Nation's Schools

While formal studies have yet to be undertaken, post traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD) appears to impact a significant number of teachers in our schools. As a direct result of this site, many teachers have been contacting ASEE with hauntingly similar stories; these similarities include:

	All of these educators seem to care, very deeply, about the children they serve (or served),
	Often, these teachers have been subjected to extreme harassment by their employers for trying to help the children in their care,
	This harassment occurred over an extended period of time,
	Nearly all of these teachers eventually suffered "nervous breakdowns" - a nebulous term that can't really be described until you have actually had one (formal diagnosis is often Major Depression which is also accompanied with assorted Anxiety Disorders),
	In ALL (yes, that's a STRONG word) CASES SO FAR REPORTED TO ASEE - these educators' unions, the National Education A$$ociation or the American Federation of Teachers and their local affiliates merely stood by and LET the harassment continue.
	In many cases, these teachers are now on permanent disability, suffer from related medical problems, and remain tormented by their experiences - often YEARS after they are no longer in the situation that caused their PTSD.

Resources on PTSD

While the ASEE is NOT operated by medical professionals (rather by teachers who have undergone severe trauma themselves), ASEE would like to provide a few links to other resources that may be of assistance (ASEE makes NO endorsements as to the content on any of these links - they are provided for information only). If you suspect there may be ANY possibility that you may suffer from PTSD - CONTACT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMMEDIATELY.

	American Psychiatric Association - An EXCELLENT resource on PTSD.
	Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from Athealth.com - updated site! AtHealth.com also provides additional information for those seeking assistance for PTSD.
	Crisis Fact Sheet: 10 Ways to Recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - American Counseling Association
	Article on PTSD on the American Rescue Team Site. An excellent article that was provided by the American Psychiatric Association
	Those Who Can, Do. Those Who Can't, Bully. Another outstanding article, on PTSD, by Bully OnLine, web site of the UK National Workplace Bullying Advice Line.
	PTSD.com - Lots of links to other sources on PTSD that may be found on the 'net.
	David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages - Yet another OUTSTANDING and up-to-date resource on PTSD.
	PTSD What is It? - More great information about this disorder.

Newsgroups, Discussion Boards, etc.

	alt.support.trauma-ptsd
	World Wide Web Discussion Board on PTSD

A Special Word from ASEE Regarding the September 11, 2001 Attack on America and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Click here to view ASEE's Attack on America Page.