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May 19, 2010

Christopher Toms' life may sound like something out of a movie. A boy with a rough childhood grows into an angry young adult, who then joins the military and is sent to Iraq where he is almost killed. He has finally found new direction in his life, as he has just graduated from Northern Virginia Community College, reports InsideNoVA.com.

Toms has been living a life of heartache, loss and sorrow. His childhood was full of chaotic events like being kidnapped by his own mother and losing his sister in a car accident.

He then joined the Marines when he was 18 and was sent to Iraq in 2004, where the vehicle he was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb.

He survived and returned to the U.S., where he has been working hard to build a better life for himself. He is now engaged and heading to George Mason University in the fall.

One thing Toms had to overcome upon his return to the states was the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he was experiencing after he returned from Iraq.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 5.2 million Americans ages 18 to 54 suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Experts suggest many different types of treatment for PTSD. Individuals who are affected by the condition should consult with their doctors to decide which works best for them.

The proper counseling and medication therapies can help survivors feel in control of their emotions and live thriving lives.

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