Invisible Scars: PTSD after Clay County Shooting - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Invisible Scars: PTSD after Clay County Shooting

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Across the state, there is growing concern for police officers involved in Tuesday night's shooting -- even for those who went unharmed.

On Thursday, law enforcement officers weighed in on the invisible scars these shootings leave behind for the officers that survive.

"They may be trying to answer every call. We may see changes in their character. When we see those changes, we counsel them to see what they've been through," said Sheriff Steve Tanner.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is something every law enforcement officer is likely to face in the course of their career. Tanner adds the signs may be as simple as showing up late or as severe as becoming violent.

"Supervisors keep up with them and we keep up with statistics. When we see an anomaly or a statistical anomaly, where they're not writing any tickets or we're getting more complaints than usual, when we see these triggers, we know something is wrong," added Tanner.

At first glance, Tanner adds, everything may appear normal. But some wounds are deeper than they first appear. "Sometimes, it's the smallest thing that may push someone over the edge. It's like the straw that broke the camel's back."

According to experts with Make the Connection.net, symptoms may range from substance abuse, chronic pain, feelings of hopelessness, eating problems, confusion, feeling on edge, or difficulty concentrating.