St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN

Dear Viewers, Peace to all in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. HEALTHY HEART MONTH AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY "Though my flesh and my heart fail: God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)

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What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by an extremely traumatic event such as: combat or military exposure, child sexual or physical abuse, terrorist attacks, serious accidents (car and plane), being diagnosed with a life threatening illness, natural disasters as fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. PTSD is especially common among those who served in combat and it is sometimes called "Shell Shock", "Battle Fatigue", and "Combat Stress." Some symptoms are: flashbacks, anger, depression, guilt or shame, sleep and memory problems, fear and avoiding talking about the traumatic event. What can a person do for help? First, see your Health Care Provider (HCP). Treatment of PTSD can be effective and help you gain control of your life again. A person can learn ways to cope if the symptoms return. Prescribed medications and psychotherapy are used. No need to try and handle the situation on your own.(www.mayoclinic.com) Remember to pray and develop a prayer life. See your Spiritual Advisor and your Parish Nurse. "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." (1Peter 5:7) My book, A COLLECTION OF PARISH NURSE NEWSLETTERS is available at www.dorrancebookstore.com; amazon.com; Eden Book Store (1-877-627-5653) toll free. Ocooch Book Store (1-608-647-8826).