Many victims of Memorial Day tornadoes suffering from PTSD

Many victims of the Memorial Day tornado outbreaks were affected in some way after the storm.

Virginia Martin not only lost her Dayton apartment on May 27, she has struggled with health issues as well.

“It’s hard. It’s really hard,” Martin told News Center 7’s Sean Cudahy. "I just don't know what's going to happen next. i just don't know what to do."

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Martin’s doctor diagnosed her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), likely brought on by the storm.

“Every time it rains I'm a nervous wreck. Every time there’s lightning, I'm scared,” Martin said.

Dr. Michael Sherr, Ph.D., a psychologist at Cedarville University, believes the condition could be prevalent throughout the Miami Valley after the tornado outbreak.

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"If they hear loud noises and they freak out, if they're waking up in the middle of the night with terrible nightmares and flashbacks, and again we're four weeks out, that's something to be concerned with," Sherr said.

Common treatment plans for PTSD include medication and therapy.

If you believe you could be dealing with PTSD, experts recommend you see a doctor.

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