P.T.S.D

In this last episode of The Walking Dead, we met a character named Eastman who was a forensic psychologist, and he essentially diagnosed Morgan with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Which is defined as an anxiety disorder that is developed after a person is exposed to one or more traumatic events.

I wanted to touch on this subject in my blog this week, for a few reasons. One; I’m not that familiar with PTSD and this episode encouraged me to do some research on the subject. Two; one of my fellow co-hosts, Su Castillo, opened up about her PTSD after serving time in the military and shared her opinion on what it’s like living with it. And three; The Walking Dead has a platform that reaches millions of people and has an opportunity to open people’s eyes to issues that they may not be familiar with and I applaud the writers and creators of this show that do this.

Now in reference to the episode I believe that the portrayal of PTSD was very real. It wasn’t too gimmicky or contrived. I believe Eastman described PTSD the best when he said,

“There’s a door and you want to go through it, to get away from it, so you do, and leads you right back to that moment. And you see that door again, you know it won’t work but hell, maybe it’ll work, so you step through that door and you’re right back in that horrible moment every time.”

PTSD takes a toll mentally and emotionally on a person. It enslaves the mind and makes people believe that there is no other way and that’s the state Morgan was in, in the beginning of the episode.

But what I love is that it isn’t just about Morgan. If you look at all of the characters throughout the series, every single one of them experiences PTSD and exhibits symptoms in their own way. Yes this episode was essentially about Morgan and what we’ve missed, but in learning about Morgan it also allowed us to have a glimpse of what all the other characters could have become if they allowed themselves to be so affected by their surroundings. If they didn’t have each other to lean on or the will power not to give in. It’s a fight everyday but I think it’s a fight worth fighting.

We would love to hear what you think and your thoughts on the subject/ show. Tweet us using the #TWDAS and check out our Walking Dead After Show here on thestream.tv live Monday Nights at 8:15 PST.

And if you or anyone you know is suffering from PTSD, You can start by going to www.ptsd.va.gov. There is help, the hardest part is asking for it.