Depending on how you define PTSD, nearly every normal person is likely to “suffer” from it. We all go through trauma in our lives and we all continue to remember it for years afterwards. But it is a normal part of life and should be considered such. I hate this disbilitation of America. When a schoolkid dies these days, no matter why, the schools pull out all stops to comfort kids on the assumption that all are traumatized. There seems to be little distinction between sorrow and trauma, between regret and trauma, and between melancholy and trauma. Apparently we are all supposed to be happy and (I was going to write “gay”) mellow no matter what happens.
Bad things happen. We probably all have flashbacks, some pleasant, some not so. But they are not abnormal or signs of mental illness. Nor are they reasons to avoid normal life and responsibilities. Adults do things anyway, whether or not they feel like it. We are becoming a generation of wimps. /rant off ;o)
“When a schoolkid dies these days, no matter why, the schools pull out all stops to comfort kids on the assumption that all are traumatized.”
Ever dealt with children who have lost a classmate or a parent or a sibling? All may not be traumatized but ALL are affected. Making counseling available helps children deal with loss. And may just prevent another traumatic incident.