PTSD on rise among 9/11 first responders
NEW YORK - Today Bethea has to take numerous medications to cope with the physical toll of 9/11and is diagnosed with depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder...
Ten years since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Marvin Bethea is still haunted by the devastation of that day. As a paramedic for St. John’s Hospital guided survivors to safety. Having barely escaped the collapse of both towers Bethea is left with the physical and emotional injuries of that day. “I will never forget it, and it was like an earthquake… and it got louder and louder and louder until it was on top,” says Bethea.
Today Bethea has to take numerous medications to cope with the physical toll of 9/11and is diagnosed with depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Bethea hasn’t worked since 2004. Initially, he cried now he feels anger, sometimes fear and constant sleepless nights. “I usually don’t get to bed until four or five o’clock in the morning and then I sleep for a couple of hours and then I get up… I really don’t go out… I am not happy.”
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According to the New York State Psychiatric Institute, which researches and provides treatment for PTSD patients from 9/11, PTSD is a lot more common than many realize. Doctor Yuval Neria says it’s prevalent in Firefighters, Police officers and others who first responded to the attack are at high risk of PTSD. Also, Neria says that in some populations PTSD is increasing. For example, for fire fighters, PTSD had an 8.6 percent increase six months after 9/11, and 11 percent 3-4 years after 9/11, 22 percent 4 to 6 years after 9/11.
Doctor Neria recommends that those struggling to cope with this tragedy seek help and remain social. “There is a lot of need for social bonding and support…I am really hopeful that this tenth anniversary that people will find each other.”
Marvin just asks that those who responded during the attack receive respect and recognition. “I was always proud to be an American, but that flag now means so much more to me since 9/11.”
