If I had the undivided attention of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services, this is what I would say: COVID-19 is on the decline as far as disrupting the lives of Alaskans. What is not on the decline are the triggering factors that cause post-traumatic stress disorder in Alaska — childhood trauma, sexual and physical abuse. Those traumas often happen in the household.
There is also the mistreatment of psychiatric patients currently not addressed by any Alaska government agency. According to a South Carolina study, up to 47% of the people who enter an acute care psychiatric facility or unit will experience trauma that may cause or exacerbate PTSD.
Evidence indicates that PTSD is associated with nearly the highest rate of medical and mental health service use, making it one of the costliest mental disorders. Alaska could reduce unnecessary trauma to psychiatric patients during treatment and transportation, but someone in power has to take the lead.
— Faith J. Myers
Anchorage
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