Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

        The film 'Nightfall' explores the various challenges posed by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ben Fields has had PTSD since age 15 and still hasn't managed to cope well with it. "Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event," as stated by the Mayo Clinic. PTSD has no cure, yet it can be controlled and managed through various medications and therapy. 

        "Individuals with PTSD are not dangerous," as stated by Sonya Norman, PhD, Eric B. Elbogen, PhD and Paula P. Schnurr, PhD under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Although Ben may frighten people around him at times, he has never actually hurt anyone. All of his thoughts are in his mind and no one can understand him, which is why it is such a struggle. I believe that film is a great way to send a message to a vast amount of people all across the globe. I hope that this film and all the ideas it portrays will inform individuals about the effects that PTSD has on a person and that it will make them want to help in any way possible. 

Quotes:

1.     "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)." Mayo Clinic. N.p., 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2016. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/definition/con-20022540>.

2.    Norman, Sonya, Eric B. Elbogen, and Paula P. Schnurr. "Research Findings on PTSD and Violence." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/co-occurring/research_on_ptsd_and_violence.asp>.