East Central Reporter

In a June 5 Facebook post, Rep. Blaine Wilhour shared information on PTSD Awareness Month.

Wilhour shared that in the aftermath of a traumatic event, it is common for individuals to experience changes.

"After a traumatic event, it’s normal to think, act, and feel differently than usual—but most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. Talk to a doctor or mental health care provider if your symptoms: 

• Last longer than a few months 
• Are very upsetting 
• Disrupt your daily life

'Getting better' means different things for different people but there are many different treatment options for PTSD. Learn more about PTSD treatment at https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp."

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, various types of symptoms can occur in individuals with PTSD. The manifestation of these symptoms can vary from person to person and may differ between children and adults. The four categories of symptoms are as follows:

• Reliving the event 
• Avoiding things that remind them of the event 
• Having increased negative thoughts and feelings than before the event happened
• Feeling on edge or keyed up

According to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be triggered by various events. These events include personal assaults, disasters, combat, different types of violence and accidents. However, it's important to understand that not everyone who goes through these incidents will develop PTSD. 

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology also claims that "Approximately seven or eight of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to experience PTSD—approximately 10 out of every 100 women compared to four out of 100 men. About half of people with PTSD may recover in three months without treatment. However, there is the possibility that symptoms will not go away on their own and may last longer than three months."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that due to various factors, including the absence of a comprehensive study on PTSD, an official count of individuals affected by the condition on a daily basis does not exist. However, the VA highlights that veterans are more susceptible to PTSD than civilians, although approximately four percent of men and eight percent of women may develop PTSD in their lifetimes.

Wilhour, born and raised in Illinois, completed his education at St. Elmo High School and went on to serve in the Illinois Army National Guard. With prior experience as a former member of the Fayette County Board, he has demonstrated his commitment to public service. Wilhour is actively engaged as a managing partner in a post-frame construction company, which was initially founded by his father and four brothers.