Post traumatic stress disorder is a reaction to being exposed to an event outside the range of normal human experience. It is a term used to describe a range of psychological symptoms following an event that can be classed as traumatic.

In our everyday lives we all have the potential to experience aspects which are frightening and out of our control but military personnel experience this daily, which increases the potential of post traumatic stress disorder occurring. With time most people have a tendency to get over traumatic experiences without the need of extra help but in some cases traumatic experiences can set off a reaction that can last for months or even years; this is where post traumatic stress disorder sets in.

The symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can start after a few weeks or even months but the feeling of distress may not start straight away. Some examples of post traumatic stress disorder are reliving the event through flashbacks and nightmares. There are many aspects that could trigger reliving the event such as smells, fear or sounds. As well as reliving the event you may also try and avoid memories. This is because these memories may be too upsetting to deal with so many people try to avoid feeling pain altogether by keeping busy and avoiding places and people that remind them of the traumatic event. Many other people simply can't relax; they are on alert/guard constantly, which often causes disturbed sleep, irritation and a lack of concentration.

Post traumatic stress disorder doesn't however just affect military personnel; it can also affect their family, some of which are young children. Post traumatic stress disorder in the case of children means they may have upsetting dreams, which are relevant to the trauma. This can then change into nightmares of things such as monsters. They may also lose interest in things they used to enjoy as they may find it hard to believe that they will live long enough to grow up.

Although the Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot be sued for injuries that are sustained during combat they do have the same obligations as any other employer to make sure that their employees have the safest possible environment. This is done through aspects such as proper training in equipment use and general job requirements as well as suitable supervision and safe equipment. Members of the armed forces can seek military compensation if their employer is found to be negligent.

Talking of compensation there was an important change in the law in 1987 to allow injury claims Ministry of Defence employees to be brought through the courts. This comes as an addition to War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims.

Post traumatic stress is sadly a frequent occurrence in soldiers who have been in combat. It can be triggered by aspects such as being shot, getting caught in an explosion as well as losing a fellow soldier through armed combat. Thankfully post traumatic stress disorder is more known now meaning if you are suffering from it you will receive the correct treatment for it in a timely manner and you may also be able to make a claim for compensation. Helen in the web master of Accident Consult, specialists in all aspects of compensation claims, including Military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.