Pathways: Experiences of PTSD
A Virtual Exhibit
Introduction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a response to trauma. While not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD, a significant number do. It affects the lives of many Canadians, with 1 in 11 developing PTSD over their lifetime. It is particularly common among Veterans. Although PTSD is not unusual, negative stereotypes and stigma persist. As a result, people with PTSD may feel shame, preventing them and their Families from seeking needed support.
Through the testimony of seven Veterans and Family members who share real, lived experiences, this exhibit seeks to demystify PTSD. These Veterans include former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP. In four interconnected sections, the exhibit contextualizes PTSD in the past and present, represents how experiences of PTSD are unique to each person, and demonstrates how impacts of PTSD extend beyond the individual, giving voice to the experiences of Family members. Finally, it explores how Veterans and their Families can find support, recovery, and healing.
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Disclaimer:
The views and perspectives expressed in the exhibition are those of people with lived and living experience of PTSD. They may not reflect current science or clinical evidence on PTSD. Additionally, they may not reflect the views of the Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Mental Health Conditions.
PTSD IS not Unusual
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a response that develops in some people who have directly or indirectly experienced a shocking, frightening, or dangerous event where their safety or the safety of others was seriously threatened.
Fear, sadness, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection are common responses to trauma. Many people who experience traumatic events will exhibit trauma-related symptoms. Some will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is not an unusual response to traumatic events.
This word cloud reflects the frequency of words used to describe PTSD in interviews with Veterans and Families throughout the creation of the exhibit.
Experiencing a traumatic event can result in nightmares, upsetting memories, sweating, shaking, memory loss, feelings of numbness, avoiding certain social settings, anger, being easily startled, or feeling the need to be extremely alert. If they persist over time however, these symptoms can be an indication of PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD are relative, varied and unique. PTSD is experienced differently by different people. All symptoms should be taken seriously
For a more comprehensive list of symptoms of PTSD, please click here. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD and need support, please click here.
PTSD Throughout History
Descriptions reflecting what we now call PTSD can be traced through literature dating from 2100 BC. More recently, the terms battle trauma, vent du boulet, railway brain, soldier’s heart, shell shock, war neurosis, combat fatigue, and operational stress, have been used to describe the lasting effects of trauma. While definitions and societal perceptions have changed, the predictability of post-traumatic stress has not. It is a response common to people across eras, cultures, and geographies.
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Although our understanding of PTSD has improved over the past century, people with PTSD may be stigmatized or feel shame about their experience. Stigmas often stem from a lack of understanding and can be reinforced by stereotypes we see in movies or on TV.
It is important to:
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TALK: Become comfortable talking respectfully about mental health issues such as PTSD.
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LEARN: Educate yourself about what PTSD is, how it affects people’s lives, and what living with it is like.
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CHALLENGE: Be aware of stereotypes. PTSD affects real-life people who experience more than we see in the media.
In the Second World War, soldiers with what we now call PTSD were diagnosed with “exhaustion." Medical practitioners noted that common warfare sounds, such as the whistle of shells dropping, often elicited severe stress reactions.
(Photo courtesy of Shrouk Abdelgafar)
PTSD is not an unusual response to a traumatic situation. Nothing about PTSD is shameful.
[Sound clip from an interview with Sean and Polly Maher. ]
Predictability and Prevalence of PTSD
Anyone who experiences a traumatic event can develop PTSD. The likelihood of developing PTSD is higher for people who are repeatedly exposed to trauma, including as a consequence of their line of work. For example, rates of mental health conditions such as PTSD are higher amongst Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, and first responders, compared to the general Canadian population.
Graph of statistics showing Depression, PTSD, and Panic Disorder in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2002 vs. 2013. (Statistics Canada)
It is important to know the signs and to seek help if you or someone you know exhibits them. Being aware of the elevated risk of PTSD that is associated with certain jobs can help those employed in them to get support and build preventative coping mechanisms.
[Sound clip from an interview with Baltej Singh Dhillon.]
[Press on image above to listen to sound clip from an interview with Baltej Singh Dhillon.]
Baltej Singh Dhillon on graduation day in 1991.
(Photo courtesy of Baltej Singh Dhillon)
[Sound clip from an interview with Baltej Singh Dhillon.]
"work now so that you can deal with whatever comes your way and be prepared for it. Trying to deal with it after is [a] much harder and much more difficult challenge."
Baltej with his colleagues.
(Photo courtesy of Baltej Singh Dhillon)
- Baltej Singh Dhillon
ptsd is unique to each person
[Sound clip from an interview with Baltej Singh Dhillon.]
Depending on their individual experiences and histories, people may encounter different kinds of trauma throughout their lives. PTSD is unique to each person, and can be felt differently throughout a person’s lifetime. While a diagnosis of PTSD is linked with certain symptoms, these symptoms vary for each person.
Symptoms of ptsd
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There are many common symptoms of PTSD. However, symptoms are unique to each person. Four main categories of symptoms include:
Re-experiencing feelings and sensations felt at the trauma;
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Avoiding reminders of the trauma;
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Negative thoughts or feelings about the the individual, those around them, or a situation or location; and
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Being on edge or reactive, either physically or emotionally, without reason.
[Sound clips from interviews with Sean Maher, Steve Lamrock, Baltej Singh Dhillon, and Peter Winfield.]
Mind map of symptoms of PTSD.
(Image courtesy of Kirstan Schamuhn)
Experiences of PTSD
The reality of living with PTSD looks different for each individual, and treatment is not a “one size fits all” approach. Individuals may experiment with many kinds of support before finding strategies that work well for them.
The course of the illness also varies. Some people experience recovery in a shorter time frame than others. Recovery time may depend on a number of factors. For example, if someone has gone longer undiagnosed, the recovery may be longer than those that are diagnosed right after the traumatic event. Living with PTSD can be a nonlinear experience, with symptoms impacting individuals differently throughout their lifetime.
[Sound clip from interview with Peter Winfield.]
Layered Trauma
Trauma experienced by Veterans is not exclusive to war or combat. Veterans may experience different kinds of trauma within their military service and in their lives outside of the military. Traumatic events may include, but are not limited to: intergenerational trauma, racial discrimination, domestic abuse, sexual violence, and homophobia. Individuals may experience multiple traumatic events throughout their lifetimes, increasing their risk of developing PTSD.
“I identify myself as coming from two wounded communities, one Veterans and the other Indigenous.”
- Tim O'Loan
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Tim O’Loan at the Invictus Games in 2018.
(Photo courtesy of Tim O’Loan)
Pins that were circulated opposing Baltej Singh Dhillon wearing his turban as part of his RCMP uniform.
(Photos courtesy of Baltej Singh Dhillon)
PTSD Extends beyond the person
The effects of PTSD are not only felt by the individual, but also by those closest to them. Family members, such as partners and children, are some of the first to both notice the effects of PTSD on a Veteran and feel the impacts of its diagnosis. A medical diagnosis can be validating for Family members struggling to cope with changed behaviours in their partner, mother, father, or child. As a result, Family members often undergo their own processes of healing and recovery alongside their partners, parents and children.
A family photograph of Polly and Sean Maher and their two children, Connor and Mitchell.
(Photo courtesy of Polly and Sean Maher)
“It’s the ripple effect, it’s impactful on the whole family.”
- Polly Maher
Recognizing the change
In the early to mid-1990s, some Families were unaware of specialized pre- or post deployment training on what to expect when soldiers returned home, including how to recognize potential signs and symptoms of PTSD. As a result, partners and Families might have become confused about changes to Veterans’ behaviour or about their experiences in deployment, and could blame themselves for challenges within the family dynamic.
[Sound clip from an interview with Laryssa Lamrock]
"In my first relationship, I in some way knew pretty quick after my spouse returned home that something was different.
I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, but I knew he wasn't the same person that I put on the bus seven months prior.”
- Laryssa Lamrock
Laryssa at her wedding to her first husband in 1991.
(Photo courtesy of Laryssa Lamrock)
Strained Relationships and Shifting Dynamics
As Veterans with PTSD work through their diagnosis, so do their Family members. Shifts within Family structures ensue. Some members may experience feelings of anger, confusion, frustration and hurt, which may strain relationships between partners and dependants. Some relationships break down as a result, while others survive and become stronger.
“Sometimes I felt like a single parent in a two parent family. He was there, but he wasn’t there sometimes.”
- Polly Maher
Laryssa and Steve Lamrock at a mess dinner.
(Photo courtesy of Laryssa and Steve Lamrock)
[Sound clip from interviews with Steve Lamrock and Laryssa Lamrock]
Caring for yourself
"There are secondary impacts of living with someone with mental injuries."
- Laryssa Lamrock
Some Family members experience isolation, exhaustion, stress and burn out and require support for their own recovery and healing. Many participate in Family counselling, peer support, individualized therapy, and other programs. These support networks can help build effective communication skills, boundaries and an understanding about how PTSD has impacted their relationships.
[Sound clip from an interview with Polly Maher]
Polly and Sean Maher at CAN Praxis Equine program.
(Photo courtesy of Polly and Sean Maher)
Healing is possible
For many, PTSD is a lifelong experience. However, healing is possible. Certain treatments can help people manage their symptoms, or in some cases eliminate them. Every person is different and the most effective approach to healing will depend on the individual.
[Sound clip from an interview with Peter Winfield]
Treatments for ptsd
Therapies known as Trauma Focused Psychotherapies can help people work through their memories of trauma. These therapies are not always easy, but with the support of professionals, Family and friends, they can be effective.
For some, peer support groups provide the opportunity to share day-to-day problems with other people who have had similar experiences. They can be a beneficial supplement to PTSD treatment.
Photograph of Peter Winfield in Bosnia.
(Photo courtesy of Peter Winfield)
“It helps me just to go and share my story like this.”
- Sean Maher
Sean Maher collecting poppy donations.
(Photo courtesy of Sean Maher)
Medication may help to relieve symptoms of PTSD, and may be used as a sole treatment or combined with other therapies. Experiences with medication differ from person to person. For some, it may not be a preferred choice.
[Sound clips from an interview with Steve Lamrock.]
Many individuals with PTSD have found significant therapeutic value in mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation. Practiced as a stand-alone treatment or together with other therapies, mindfulness and other alternative practices have proven to be beneficial strategies.
[Sound clips from an interview with Baltej Singh Dhillon.]
“I went from victim to victory.”
Steve Lamrock in Afghanistan.
(Photo courtesy of Steve Lamrock).
Baltej Dhillon in RCMP uniform saluting.
(Photo courtesy of Baltej Singh Dhillon)
- Baltej Singh Dhillon
For some individuals with PTSD, healing begins with taking control of their situation, their mind, and their health. This may be done through reigniting a sense of identity through faith, cultural practice, physical activity, or art.
[Sound clip from an interview with Peter Winfield.]
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A collection of artwork by Peter Winfield. (© 2013, 2014)
[Sound clip from an interview with Polly and Sean Maher.]
PTSD AND THE PUBLIC
Veterans with PTSD are an incredibly diverse group of people. While the media may portray them as violent or aggressive, that is often not the case. People with PTSD may experience anger or irritability, but symptoms of PTSD manifest themselves differently in everyone.
It is important to keep in mind that many people with PTSD are active members of society, as well as Family people. Veterans and active members of the military are human beings and they deserve the same amount of compassion, understanding, and support as anyone else.
[Sound clip from an interview with Laryssa Lamrock.]
[Sound clip from an interview with Peter Winfield.]
Polly and Sean Maher
(Photo courtesy of Polly and Sean Maher)
Tim O'Loan and Prince Harry at the Invictus Games
(Photo courtesy of Tim O'Loan)
"I hope that people can just, you know, have more empathy."
- Tim O'Loan
Baltej Singh Dhillon at the Gurdwara
(Photo courtesy of Baltej Singh Dhillon)
“Everyone who wears that uniform is a human being first."
- Steve Lamrock
This exhibit was developed by a team of emerging curators and public historians, graduate students of Carleton University’s Department of History in partnership with the Centre of Excellence on PTSD. These organizations respectfully operate in Ottawa, the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people.
