This article originally appeared on 11.21.14
FACT CHECK TIME! This infographic is based on data from 2012. Unfortunately, because of the misinformation from the anti-vaccination movement, some of these diseases are trending up in a really bad way. Measles is the starkest example. There were about 61 cases of measles in all of 2012, but in just the first seven months of 2014, there have been nearly 600.
You might even think you know what PTSD looks like. But do you know how to tell the difference between run-of-the-mill stress or something more serious?
It's common to have stress after experiencing or witnessing a trauma, like a car accident, natural disaster, military service, or abuse.
PTSD has been a hotbed topic with 11% to 20% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report experiencing symptoms in a given year.
And while the disorder makes headlines, many people are still unsure what to look for or how to support themselves or someone they care about.
There are four major symptoms associated with PTSD. Recognizing them is the first step on the road to recovery.
Images via Veterans Health Administration.
There are lots of treatment options to manage PTSD, from traditional methods like counseling and medication to alternative solutions like yoga and meditation.
There are also specific resources and networks for veterans and survivors of sexual assault.
Bullied children are more likely to have depression, anxiety, substance use problems, or self-harm. It breaks down self-esteem and puts the child on constant alert because the acts of aggression repeatedly occur.
Social isolation, name-calling, taunting, and online nastiness may not be as stark, but they're still damaging. Over time, it gets inside a person and tears them down. When bullying is a part of everyday life, it's hard to look in the mirror and feel good about what you see. You're bombarded with negative feedback about who you are. It's especially difficult when it's based on a fundamental part of yourself that you can't (and shouldn't) change.
Racism breaks down self-esteem the same way: by reinforcing the idea that there is something wrong with you. Sometimes the attacks are big. Sometimes they're small. But they're always damaging.
A child who is often picked on when riding the school bus may develop anxiety before those yellow doors open. Similarly, a person who is often followed in stores may develop anxiety before going shopping.
The British colonized Australia in the late-1700s and displaced the aboriginal people who lived in and around it. Ever since, they have fought for equality in a land that was once their own. Even though overtly discriminatory laws have been repealed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) still experience day-to-day racism from their fellow Australians.
In this video by beyondblue, five ATSI people talk about how racism affects their emotional well-being.
"I think later on, if it happens to you a few times, it has a massive effect on you." — Basil
The worry of encountering racism causes stress to build up. Sometimes that stress can manifest in diagnosable mental disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or PTSD.
Think about it: When soldiers spend extended time on the battlefield, stress can build up even if they never engage the enemy. Just the constant pressure of being in danger can cause lasting mental damage. Facing consistent discrimination can do the same thing.
We know that it's harmful. We know that everyone has a hand in stopping bullying behavior. We're coming together to make childhood healthier for all kids.
We used to say that discrimination was normal. We know better now. Let's do better too.
At the time, Bodnar had just graduated from medical school. She volunteered to help evacuate and treat local residents affected by the radiation.
She observed that the radioactive iodine in the air was getting into to their lungs and making them sick. Masks were not readily available.
After years of research and testing, she filed for a patent in 2004 and never looked back.
Is it the most practical application of science? Maybe more than you might think.
The EBra looks and costs about the same as an ordinary bra ($30) but can save two lives in the event of a emergency. The average American woman may not need an EBra, but in countries where unpredictable violent attacks are a concern (like Syria or her home country Ukraine), this could be a very helpful tool to have strapped to your body.
