SYMPTOMS of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder AND HOW TO DEAL WITH
Understanding PTSD and How to Cope with the Disorder
An Introduction to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) is an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed disorder that springs from a person experiencing something terrifying, or witnessing something traumatizing. The disorder typically manifests in • depersonalization, • dissociation, • hallucination,
• and/or anxiety related to the subject
Common Symptoms Associated with PTSD (Clinical)
Intrusive Memories Avoidance Mental Changes Emotional Changes
Common Symptoms Associated with PTSD (Simplified) Flashbacks to the event
Anxiety Triggers
Nightmares Physical memory of an event
Uncontrollable and compulsive thoughts of the event.
Intrusive Memories
After someone has developed PTSD, they will often experience sudden flashbacks to the event. They can come suddenly and out of the blue, or they can be triggered by an outside stimulus. Example: an army vet going through a war flashback after fireworks are set off.
Avoidance
This mental anguish can cause a PTSD sufferer to avoid people and places because they either associate them with the trauma or they are depressed/anxious about being around others/in public.
Example: an assault victim avoiding the grocery store where the crime took place.
Mental Changes PTSD is often diagnosed hand-in-hand with depression because it affects a person’s mood in the same way depression might. Those suffering PTSD may
• experience fatigue, • and experience an utter lack of • lack of interest, • emotional numbness positivity. Example: someone with PTSD ignoring phone calls from friends because they’re too exhausted and numb to socialize.
Emotional Changes PTSD can also be seen in someone’s outward emotional responses, such as • crying jags, • paranoia • bouts of extreme anger, • or defensiveness.
PTSD often puts sufferers on edge, making them alert and ready to defend themselves 24/7, even when the existence of a threat is conceived in their head. Example: a military vet reaching for his imagined gun when he hears a loud noise come from across the room.
PTSD and Self-Medicating One symptom of PTSD is self-destructive behavior brought on by drugs or alcoholism. In the mind of someone with PTSD, being drunk or high can dull the memory of the traumatic experience and dull the anxiety it brings. Usually this is false – these crutches make the problems and anxiety worse not better and endanger others.
Treatment for PTSD After PTSD has been diagnosed, treatment for the disorder can begin. Like most psychological treatments, there is no sure or potentially long-lasting cure. The purpose of therapy and medications in the life of someone who has PTSD is to give them control over their life, their anxiety and their memories.
Psychotherapy It’s important to talk to a therapist regularly after you’re diagnosed with PTSD. Whether your chosen therapist suggests the more common treatment of cognitive therapy (talking about the problem) or the controversial method of exposure therapy (having a patient directly confront their experience) is up to you and the therapist you choose. Both methods can be helpful, but consult your therapist about their recommendations.
Medications Many medications may be prescribed to someone who has PTSD. While there is no specific drug for the disorder, medications that help combat depression, anxiety and insomnia are often given to those suffering with the disorder. SSRI medications are often prescribed as a means of lessening depression and handling psychosis that comes with PTSD.
Support Those who suffer with PTSD also need a supportive environment in which to heal. Look for local support groups in order to share your experiences and learn from others with the same disorder. Also look for support from friends and family. They can help you stay on track with your treatment plan and offer in-person understanding while you go through this difficult time in life.