WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-9/11 first responders cope with PTSD
Member Center:
September 9, 2011
Retired FDNY Capt. Tom O'Brien spent eight months working at ground zero searching for survivors and recovering remains, many his friends and colleagues.
"Very often you feel you should be with the guys," O'Brien said.
The father of five started spending less time with his family and more time alone.
"Explosive behavior and very short-tempered," wife Doreen said.
"I would have memories or thoughts or flashbacks in the gym maybe of trying to move the steel," O'Brien said.
O'Brien was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. A recent study of more than 27,000 responders shows 23 percent have experienced PTSD over the past decade.
"Feeling anxious," said Dr. Fatih Ozbay of Mount Sinai Medical Center. "Avoidance of any places or activities or people that may remind the person of their traumatic exposure."
Experts say for some, the anniversary of the attacks can increase stress and anxiety and trigger PTSD.
O'Brien went to therapy to deal with his PTSD.
"Treatment was difficult and it's been difficult to talk about it again. But I think I'm two-thirds through it now. My wife sees I'm having happier days," he said.
For the first time, he'll mark the anniversary at ground zero.
"I'm gonna go in wearing my uniform. I'm gonna pay tribute to the guys. I'm going to move forward," he said.
And he hopes other rescue and recovery workers who are suffering will also get help.
 | 
WCAX-TV
PO Box 4508 |
