Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, affects approximately 5 percent of Americans. PTSD is often only considered in relation to military service and deployment. PTSD can affect anyone who’s been through a traumatic event. It can be difficult to identify PTSD. We are here to help you recognize the symptoms and when to seek treatment.
What causes PTSD?
A person who witnesses or experiences a frightening event can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. There is no standard for what constitutes a “terrifying incident”. It is important to remember that every person is different and has their own story. It is not the responsibility of anyone else to determine what “should” and “shouldn’t” cause PTSD. Doctors aren’t even certain why some people develop PTSD. Experts are able to recognize that PTSD is often caused a complex combination of:
Stressful experiences include abuse, death or injury, as well as sexual assault.
Mental health risks that are passed down from the family, such as anxiety and depression in the family.
Inherited personality traits or inheritance
Stress can cause chemical imbalances in the brain’s regulation of hormones and chemicals.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone of any age. There are some factors that can increase your risk of getting it. These include:
Traumas that last a lifetime
Traumas or abuse in childhood
An occupation that exposes you to trauma events such as first responders or military personnel
Anxiety or depression is a common symptom.
Problems with substance abuse
A lack of a reliable support system such as family, friends or mental health support
Symptoms of PTSD
If help is not readily available, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. Because everyone is unique and each person’s trigger for PTSD may be different, it can prove difficult to establish helpful mental and emotionally boundaries that prevent triggers.
Symptoms of PTSD can be described as:
Re-Experience the Event
Flashbacks to the event give the feeling that the event is replayed over and over again.
Vivid, intrusive memories of the event
Frequent nightmares about the event
When the event is recalled, it can cause mental or physical discomfort.
Avoidance
Emotional apathy: Seeming to not be bothered by the daily events of life.
Indifference to daily activities
Memory loss due to the actual event
Inability to express emotions
Reminders of the event should be avoided by people and situations
Reactivity
Concentration is difficult
It’s easy to get started and have exaggerated reactions to startling events
You are always on guard
Irritability
Bouts of anger
It is difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep
Mood
Negative thoughts about oneself
Feelings of guilt, worry, or blame that are distorted
It is difficult to remember the details of the event
Interest in fun activities has declined
Panic Attacks
Agitation
Excitability
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Racing or pounding heart
Headaches
The severity of PTSD symptoms may vary from one day to the next. A mild reaction may cause a severe reaction the next day. People with PTSD often have difficulty navigating daily life because of this unpredictability.
Diagnosis and Treatment of PTSD
Although there are not specific tests for PTSD, a mental healthcare professional is the best qualified to diagnose it. Before diagnosing someone with PTSD, a mental health professional will examine the following signs:
A traumatic event experienced, witnessed or learned about by someone. Also, the person’s reaction to it.
How trauma is re-experienced daily (nightmares and intrusive thoughts, flashbacks etc.
How an individual has dealt with the traumatizing memories
How long has the patient been suffering from these symptoms?
Sometimes it can be difficult to diagnose PTSD. Many people who have it don’t realize they have it. It can be very isolating for people with PTSD, making it difficult to seek help.
It is important to remember that asking for help is acceptable. Even if a person has only one of these symptoms, it is enough to talk with a mental healthcare professional. Even if a diagnosis of PTSD is not made, it’s important that you address any negative thoughts or symptoms that may be associated with a traumatic event.
If you have any of these symptoms, you are not the only one. Seek help immediately if you are experiencing upsetting thoughts, difficulty controlling your actions, or fear of hurting yourself or others. For an evaluation, consult a doctor or mental health professional if you experience any of the above symptoms. Call 911 immediately if you feel suicidal thoughts and urges.
You may be prescribed a combination therapy if you have PTSD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Also known as “talk therapy”, cognitive behavioural therapy helps you remember and express your emotions about the trauma. Although it can be scary to go back to an event that caused you such emotional and mental pain, a guided and supervised review of the event can help you reduce symptoms and desensitize to the trauma. You will be able to identify healthy coping strategies in case you are triggered.
Support Groups: These groups have a similar benefit to talk therapy in that they offer a safe, controlled environment for revisiting past traumas. Remember that support groups are not for mental health professionals. They are just on the same journey you are. These support groups should not be used to give mental health advice. Instead, you will be surrounded by people who can relate to your situation, making it easier to manage such an isolating disorder.
Medication: You may be prescribed antidepressants, anxiety medication, or sleep aids. These medications should be prescribed only by a doctor. They should be taken according to your needs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs can make PTSD worse.
Therapy can be a powerful and effective way to deal with PTSD symptoms. A trained and licensed mental health professional can identify your triggers and help you manage your symptoms.
