“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD) is a condition of which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It can also involve a supposed or real threat of death or injury such as sexual or physical abuse, an assault, combat, or a natural disaster. People with this condition often have a higher sense of danger, making them feel fearful or stressed even when the situations are safe. This condition affects individuals of all ages. The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.
PTSD Symptoms may include:
• Unwanted memories of the trauma
• Avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma
• Heightened reactions
• Negative changes in thinking
• Anxiety
• Aggressive behavior
• Depression
• Panicking when reminded of the trauma
• Becoming easily upset or angry often
• Extreme alertness, also sometimes called 'hypervigilance'
• Disturbed sleep, nightmares, or not enough sleep
• Concentration issues
• Being jumpy or easily startled
Symptoms can vary over time or expressed differently from person to person.
Treatment can include:
• Various types of trauma-focused psychotherapy
• Medications to manage symptoms
The Stages of PTSD are:
• Impact - This phase occurs immediately after the traumatic event
• Denial - Not everyone experiences denial when dealing with PTSD recovery
• Short-term Recovery - During this phase, immediate solutions to problems are addressed
• Long-term Recovery – This stage can vary for each individual
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Until next time, stay safe and well!