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  Horrific physical injuries and deaths at Astroworld have been well documented. The likely psychological injuries, however, have received less attention. Post-traumatic stress disorder often causes debilitating symptoms, and its impact spreads far beyond the battlefield. According to the National Institutes of Health, 6.8% of US adults suffer from PTSD, and more than 1/3rd of those are “seriously impaired” as a result of the disorder. PTSD is caused by exposure to a traumatic event, including things like natural or human-caused disasters and violent car wrecks. The DSM-5’s definition of a traumatic event includes being exposed to, or witnessing, actual or threatened death or serious injury. As it relates to Astroworld, the trauma of being seriously injured, facing a threat of serious injury or death, or witnessing another person being seriously injured or killed, could all meet the threshold for a PTSD-inducing trauma. The symptoms required for a diagnosis are: Persistently re-experiencing the trauma through at least one of: unwanted, upsetting memories nightmares flashbacks emotional distress or “physical reactivity” after being exposed to something that reminds you of the trauma Avoidance of either or both (1) trauma-related thoughts or feelings or (2) trauma-related external reminders At least two of these symptoms appeared, or became worse, after the trauma Inability to recall key features of the trauma Overly negative thoughts about yourself or the world Exaggerated blame of yourself or others Negative mood Decreased interest in activities Feeling isolated Difficulty experiencing positive feelings Alterations in arousal and reactivity, through: Irritability or aggression […]

Seven Safe Travel Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe on the Road this Holiday Season While AAA estimates that there will be fewer travelers on the road this year compared to last year, still as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from December 23 though January 3, 2021.