Terrifying and horrific events can trigger many different things, and PTSD, also referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder, is one of these things. However, PTSD is not triggered the same in every person. Some people experience PTSD due to a horrifying event they endured, and others experience PTSD due to a horrific event they witnessed. Common PTSD Symptoms include:
- Nightmares
- Severe anxiety
- Flashbacks
More symptoms are not as common that are associated with this mental condition.
Table of Contents
The Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
There are many PTSD symptoms that a person may or may not experience. Some people experience all or most of the symptoms, while other people only experience a few. Some people experience this condition as early as three months after the terrifying event takes place. Most of these symptoms cause problems within a person’s daily life, including relationships, socialization, and work situations.
Invasive Memories
Some people who have PTSD have memories that keep occurring in their minds without their control. As far as intrusive memories are concerned, flashbacks fall into this category. Flashbacks can be dangerous in this situation.
During a flashback, a person relives the traumatic event, which could cause a person to be depressed. In addition, nightmares are common in people who have PTSD. A person may have nightmares about the tragic event, and they may occur frequently or occasionally.
Avoidance
Many people who have PTSD often avoid others. Two types of avoidance may occur. First, people living with PTSD may do everything in their power to avoid thinking about any traumatic events that took place. Second, some people want to avoid everything and everyone all together.
Changes in Thought Process and Overall Mood
A person’s thought process or mood may change for many different reasons, but people who have PTSD may experience a mood change and have negative thoughts due to trauma. People living with post-traumatic stress disorder may have negative feelings. In other situations, a person may not express positive emotions, such as laughing or smiling, and some people are emotionally numb.
Emotionally numb people do not have positive or negative feelings; they do not feel anything. Family members and friends may notice that the person they once knew has changed drastically. Some people lose all interest in the things they once enjoyed. Family and friends may notice that their relative or friend has given up hope on everything, especially the future.
Emotional Reactions
PTSD does not affect everyone the same, but one common symptom that most people experience is changes in their emotional reactions. With this symptom, people living with PTSD may experience difficulty sleeping and concentrating or feel guilty and ashamed.
Common Causes of PTSD
There are a few common causes of PTSD. An increased risk of depression and anxiety can overload a person’s mind and cause them to experience PTSD. Other causes of this disorder include life experiences.
Everyone’s mind does not process situations the same way, and some life situations, such as death, send some people over the edge. Another cause of this disorder is how a person’s brain processes the chemicals and hormones the human body releases.
Current Risk Factors
Like other diseases and conditions, there are risks associated with PTSD. People of all ages and ethnicities can have PTSD, but some things put a person more at risk for developing this condition.
People who experience trauma, such as abuse or neglect during their childhood, are at a higher risk of developing this mental condition.
Some people have demanding jobs that are more stressful than others. For example, jobs that involve the military, police, and other authorities cause a person in this line of work to encounter many tragic events and situations. After a while, the events and situations become overwhelming.
Everyone needs a support system, but not everyone has one. A support system is what keeps many people grounded and on track. Without a support system, situations may escalate, and other things can fall through the cracks, ending in disaster.
Testing and Diagnosis
As far as a PTSD test is concerned, this condition is based on a person’s symptoms and the signs they show. Most of the time, the signs and symptoms a person experiences can be determined and revealed through a physical examination.
Treatments
There are two main forms of treating PTSD, and they are psychotherapy and medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are a form of PTSD medication. When it comes to psychotherapy treatment techniques, cognitive and exposure therapy are used.
People who have this condition can get help with coping with the daily tasks and events of life. Depending upon the severity of this condition a person has, there are many different treatment options available.
Relaxing is one key method of coping with this condition. Although it may be difficult, learning relaxing methods and techniques can help people who suffer from this condition. When a person learns to relax and remain calm through any situation, they will have greater control over their lives and be ready to face the world.
Exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle will help the human body correct many of its flaws. Many people do not realize how much stress they endure daily until the worst has already happened. Instead of waiting around for the worst-case scenario, a person can talk to their doctor and discuss their options.
People who do not have a severe case of PTSD can easily be treated with simple methods. People who suffer from more severe cases of PTSD have available options, but the treatment methods may be more intense.
Many people who suffer from this condition lead a normal, healthy life once prescribed medication. Accepting change is a difficult task for many people, but when you add a stressful situation into the equation, it can be an overwhelming experience. There are different methods of help and support available for people living with PTSD.
