Saud Anwar

Senator Anwar to Hold Digital Panel Discussion on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Thursday

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) will host a digital panel discussion online discussing post traumatic stress disorder, the “silent epidemic,” with members of the community who can provide first-hand experience of the right against PTSD on Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m.

“Post traumatic stress disorder can manifest from many traumas, but it can impact anyone. No one is immune,” said Sen. Anwar. “We owe it to ourselves to publicly and readily discuss the impacts of PTSD on our community members, from first responders and veterans to victims of domestic abuse and members of the public who undergo traumatic situations, as increasing awareness will help more people receive help and treatment.”

Post traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, can leave long-lasting psychological damage in the minds of individuals experiencing traumatic situations. In recent years, public discussion of the disorder has increased public awareness of its negative impacts; by continuing the discussion, Sen. Anwar hopes to shine further light on the disorder and help those struggling with it.

Sen. Anwar will join East Windsor Selectwoman Sarah Muska and Karen Foley O’Connor, executive director at The Network Against Domestic Abuse, who will discuss the hidden ways PTSD can manifest for domestic violence victims. East Windsor Police Sergeant David McNeice will discuss the long-term impacts and manifestations of PTSD for first responders, including police, fire and emergency response professionals. Sen. Anwar thanked Muska for helping coordinate the panel.

Retired First Sergeant Gerry Wright will discuss the scars that wartime and combat PTSD can leave on the minds of veterans and how doctors and members of the medical community can better understand helping those diagnosed. Finally, Dr. Ali Shamsi, an assistant clinical professor at Yale University and principal psychiatrist at Connecticut Valley Hospital, will give a medical understanding of PTSD, further discussing the role of the community in helping individuals struggling with PTSD.

The discussion will be hosted on Sen. Anwar’s Facebook page.