The Boston Athletic Association (BAA), the club sponsor of the 113th Boston Marathon where terrorists set off two improvised explosive devices, has published information on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for marathon runners and event volunteers that might be showing symptoms of PTSD.
The signs, symptoms and effects published by the BAA are a good reference for ski patrollers that may be suffering from the cumulative effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder related to their work. The signs and symptoms include trouble sleeping or having bad dreams; recurring images and flashbacks; strong emotions, including guilt, anger, anxiety, fear or sadness; flatness of affect, or disinterest in life or routine; irritability; easily startled, feeling cautious; avoiding reminders related to the event; headaches, diarrhea, nausea, or other developing physical ailments; difficulty remembering the event; and substance abuse increases. Continue reading BAA Publishes PTSD Backgrounder for Athletes and First Responder Victims