PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.

When Does PTSD First Occur?

PTSD can develop at any age, including in childhood. Symptoms typically begin within 3 months of a traumatic event. Once PTSD occurs, the severity and duration of the illness varies.

Symptoms of PTSD

• Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollections of the event, flashbacks, and nightmares.
• Emotional numbness and avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma.
• Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, and being easily irritated and angered.
• Feelings of intense guilt.

Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms.

Facts

• People who have experienced previous traumatic events run a higher risk of developing PTSD.

• 60-80% of the young population going through trauma like a natural disaster, sexual assault and abuse, suffer from PTSD.

• PTSD can not only be triggered by a thought or a picture. Even a relatable smell or sound can instantly bring in post-traumatic depression in people, at any time.

• A person living with PTSD may enact to be happy and live in denial for several months until the condition gets noticed.

• Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD.

• The disorder is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more other anxiety disorders.

• In severe cases, someone with PTSD may have trouble working or socializing.

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time or another. The difference between them is that stress is a response to a threat in a situation. Anxiety is a reaction to the stress.

People with PTSD can be effectively helped with psychotherapy and medication.

Accept that you cannot control everything, Do your best, Maintain a positive attitude and Talk to someone.

If you’re feeing overwhelmed or stressed and re-experiencing the trauma of an event, Get some help. Call Healthboxes to speak to a Therapist.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/facts-about-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

https://www.healthtopia.net/blog/interesting-facts-ptsd

http://www.notredamecollege.edu/sites/default/fileuploads/PTSD-sheet.pdf

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms