During periods of remembrance of all those who died during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, many people tend to suffer from the condition known as post traumatic stress disorder.

To give supportive management to people who suffer such problems is important in our society, especially during this period where people are remembering their fallen relatives.

During the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, many people saw traumatic events taking place. People saw their parents being killed with matchets and other weapons. Such people normally suffer from the post traumatic stress disorder.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder resulting from a traumatic event. PTSD causes a person to re-live the frightening or dangerous experience again and again, causing extreme anxiety and depression. People living with PTSD may have a hard time with daily life due to the resulting mental issues.

It is important to know how you can help individuals with this problem. Talking to a therapist helps to get through many of the problems associated with PTSD. Therapists teach coping methods and give suggestions on how to deal with problematic situations.

They also provide an outlet for emotions and tears without judgment, and give an honest, unbiased opinion on issues.

Anti-depressants are effective at treating depression associated with PTSD. A wide range of medications are available for depression treatment including Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil.

Anti-anxiety medications treat PTSD anxiety. Anxiety medications such as Xanax provide immediate relief, while those such as Klonopin are maintenance medications that keep daily anxiety at bay.

PTSD can cause feelings of isolation. Because no one can truly empathize with PTSD unless they have been through it themselves, joining a group of people who have PTSD helps alleviate the feelings of being alone.

Learning from others with similar problems about their coping techniques, can also help with day to day living. It also provides a place to meet new friends.

Current friends and family may not completely understand PTSD, but they can provide emotional support and a shoulder to cry on. Never underestimate the helpfulness of simply talking to someone about issues, even if they have no advice. Hearing that someone cares is sometimes enough to get through dark times.

Talk with friends, family, therapists and doctors to come up with emergency plans. Depression can lead to suicide, and friends and family need to have a plan of action if the depression gets to that stage for protection.

It should be pointed out that the symptoms of PTSD are frightening to the victim and to those who witness the event. It is crucial to be able to identify symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder so as to offer professional support to the victim.

Also the PTSD can occur after any type of severely disorienting event, including but not isolated to war experiences.

The ways in which they appear vary from person to person. Regardless of the pattern of the symptoms, there are identifiable signs that a person is experiencing post traumatic stress disorder.

A primary and frightening PTSD symptom is flashbacks. A flashback can be ignited by a loud and unexpected sound, such as a slammed door, a loud bang and crash.

This acts as a psychological catapult to the victim, who re-experiences the original trauma in vivid detail. This naturally causes the sufferer immense distress. If a person appears to be having a flashback, he needs immediate professional help.

Ends