Buried Above The Ground Analysis

In “Buried Above The Ground,” three individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and geographical locations develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A common misconception about PTSD is that it afflicts only war veterans; however, in this documentary the exact opposite is analyzed through the lens of not only a war veteran, but also a survivor of domestic violence and another individual who survived a natural disaster. Although the symptoms manifest themselves differently in each person there are some commonalities seen in all three individuals. Looking at PTSD through the lens of an affected individual gives a detailed perspective into the interworking and thoughts they must cope with on a daily basis. In particular, reoccurring thoughts of the trauma, inability to stop recurrent thoughts or images, recurrent nightmares, depression, violent/disturbing thoughts or images, and thoughts of self harm. Thus, resulting in suicide, self medication, and sometimes violent acts. In this film, “Buried Above The Ground,” based on the interviews with these individuals it is a daily struggle for them to continue seeking mental health treatment for their PTSD …show more content…
PTSD has been misunderstood by medical professionals as far as how to manage the treatment and recognize the symptoms before a person becomes suicidal. Often, in the past individuals with this illness has a common belief that because there is confusion within the very field they need to seek help from, that they are unable to identify with them to assist with the disease. With this in mind, it was not until the 80’s that PTSD was classified from as an actual mental health disorder. Therefore, we still have a ways to go in treating the disease effectively as evidenced in “Buried Above