Whitehall Township's Crime Watch group hosted a meeting April 27, during which guest speaker Jenna Galligani spoke on post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The first part of an actual diagnosis of PTSD is obviously some sort of event or situation that has traumatized the individual," said Galligani, a licensed professional counselor at Preventative Measures in Allentown.

Preventative Measures' purpose is "to provide multiple levels of community, mental health and supportive services that promote healthy abundant living." The program assists in a variety of counseling services, including marriage counseling, mental diagnosis counseling and even counseling for children.

Galligani's presentation, "The War at Home," focused on recognizing the signs, treatment and support for PTSD.

Some of the symptoms of PTSD, Galligani said, are intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms, increased anxiety and emotional arousal.

An example of an avoidance symptom, Galligani said, is "if [an individual] was assaulted, then [he or she] will avoid whoever looks like the assailant."

"A loss of enjoyment or things that would normally make [someone] happy" is an instance of an individual who shows signs of negative alterations in cognitions and mood, Galligani said.

Symptoms of PTSD have to last a minimum of four weeks in order to be diagnosable, Galligani said.

"Of course, people are going to have symptoms after a tragedy, even after a car accident, but we have to look at them and say, 'Okay, how long has it been and are they getting worse?'" Galligani said.

Galligani reminded Crime Watch meeting guests that if they know someone who might suffer from PTSD, they should offer support.

"The first step is always making that contact and just letting them know you're there. Let them know you respect them if they don't want to talk about it but that you are there," Galligani said.

Offering potential resources is also another good way to offer help to those who might be experiencing PTSD as well," she said.

Crime Watch meetings, which are open to the public, are held the fourth Monday of the month, 7 p.m., in the public meeting room of the Whitehall Township Municipal Building.