Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder
What is post traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is something that is caused from a highly stressful event that has lasting effects after the event that impacts the way that you or an individual you love goes about daily life. This disorder is not just caused by a stressful event that may cause you additive stress for a day or a couple hours. When thinking of stressful events they may be seen as very severe in the moment but if you or someone is able think about the event later on in the day or the next day and not experience severe stress response. This may be an overwhelming experience for the moment over PTSD. May also impact the way that one goes about there thoughts post an event occurring and feelings towards certain areas that are now changed.
What are the signs and symptoms
PTSD symptoms may occur within 3 months of a traumatic event but not always here are some symptoms and signs listed:
Symptoms:
Experiencing nightmares frequently
Experiencing unpleasant memories from the traumatic event (flashbacks)
Worried about the event happening again
Having trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Having emotional outburst of anger, not being able to feel happiness, constant worrying
Signs:
Not wanting or being upset by other talking about the event
Losing interest in previous activities that you or someone enjoyed
Avoidance of similar situations that the traumatic event
These are only some of the symptoms; they are not limited to just the ones stated.
Are there different types of PTSD
Yes, there are different types of PTSD that include the onset of them when it occurs or the symptoms start to show. Also the types of trauma that may lead to someone experiencing the different types of PTSD. Lastly, the different ways one life is affected by the type of PTSD. Different types of PTSD include the following:
Normal stress response: which can occasionally lead to PTSD although this includes responses that you as an individual normal have to stress. This could be flight, fight or freeze responses to something such as injuries, illness, accidents or continuous high stress situations. Once these events occur normally the body is able to return to the baseline state that you are in on an everyday level.
Dissociative PTSD: With this type of PTSD the individual may experience times of dissociation or depersonalization. Dissociation is when a individual may lose track of time and situation where they feel a sense of zoning out in situation where they are either unable to come out of that trance or experiencing memorizes or flashbacks. Dissociating may be triggered by seeing something or hearing something that is tied to a trauma. Same lines with depersonalization.
Complex PTSD: Is correlated to individual who have experience multiple or repeated trauma throughout there lives. Difference from PTSD is that there isn’t one singular event that occurred that lead to PTSD but multiple repeat events. This could also be due to chronic trauma throughout childhood or any period of ones life.
Comorbid PTSD: Unlike uncomplicated PTSD the individual does experience other mental health struggles such as; panic disorder, anxiety disorder or substance use disorder.
What events can cause PTSD
Some risk factors or events that may cause PTSD include:
A history of mental health or substance abuse
Having additive stressors in your life on top of a traumatic experience
Experiencing situations that are extremely unsafe in the past
Having emotions or feelings towards guilt or shame after a situation has occurred
Not having a large support system after a traumatic situation or a strong support system
Experience traumatic events such as but not limited to the following:
Earthquake or any natural disaster
Bystander of a serious accident or injury
Experience a loss of a person
What support helps an individual with PTSD
There are many ways in which you can support an individual who has experience a traumatic event or is experience symptoms of PTSD. Being able to show that you support an individual and are willing to be there for them when they are ready to talk about it or just there to support during harder time periods. There are different types of therapy that an individual can seek including group therapy this may be beneficial in it shows the individual they are not alone in their situation. Counseling can also be done in one-on-one setting depending on the individuals preferences or needs. If a traumatic event happens to a family member or a family as a whole family counseling and individual counseling is also an option. Dependent on the potential comorbidity treatment for those disorders as well may be an option. Overall, just being supportive in the process of healing for the individual and being patient as it may not always be a quick fix and may take time.
Resources
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/posttraumatic-stress-disorder