Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the most common mental problems talked about today. Especially for the population belonging to the older generations who have gone to war in the past. For the younger ones, it affects those individuals who have experienced a traumatic event in their life. PTSD, as it's commonly called, is a mental health problem that, fortunately, is no longer frowned upon as a taboo.
When a person goes through a traumatic event in their life, their coping mechanisms can vary. Other individuals can go through these unfortunate events better than others. For many others, however, these events create such significant damage in their lives that getting through them becomes a challenge. In time and with proper treatments of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, plus attention, care, and love, PTSD can be overcome.
That said, here are the basics that you should learn about PTSD.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can start to manifest as early as a month following a traumatic event. However, for others, it can begin to show as late as years later. There's no one-size-fits-all approach for all individuals. Again, because of the differences in coping. The only way for you to know if you or your family member has PTSD is to have an awareness of the symptoms. Hence, when you're able to notice any of these symptoms showing, it's a good starting point for you to have a better healing process.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of PTSD in adults:
Frequent recollection of the traumatic event through conversations, social media posts, and nightmares.
Frequent and deliberate avoidance of people and places that reminds the victim of the traumatic event
Difficulty sleeping, relaxing, breathing and concentrating
Negative thoughts about one's self, present, and the future
Lack of interest in hobbies, activities, career, and family
Self-destructive behavior or suicidal thoughts, conversations, and behavior
As for children, the common symptoms of PTSD include:
Frequent nightmares
Violent play and games
Repeated and deliberate re-enactment of the traumatic event through conversations with other kids and play
The occurrences or frequency of these symptoms can vary from one person to another. It can even vary based on your day-to-day activities. For instance, there may be good days where you don't experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Especially on happier and busier days. But, there are also bad days when these attacks start kicking in. The bottom line is that when these symptoms begin to bother you and occur more frequently, it might be best for you to start seeing a doctor or your therapist.
The Causes
Some of the most common traumatic experiences that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder include any one of the following:
Death of a family member, loved one or close friend
Exposure to war, insurgency or violence in your local area
Meeting an accident, whether minor or major
Family and other personal problems such as separating of parents (for children)
Domestic and sexual violence
For you to have PTSD, you don't need to be the actual victim in the traumatic case. For as long as you're directly involved or affected by these traumatic events, you can be a possible victim. For instance:
Constant exposure to trauma or violence because of your career. Such as when you're a coroner, a police officer, an investigator, or a social welfare worker for children and individuals suffering from abuse.
Being the direct victim at a traumatic event, such as the military men who have gone to war, or the wife in a domestic violence case.
Being the direct witness in traumatic events, such as watching your child getting abused, or being the companion of your friend or family member who was shot, or who died in an accident.
The Treatment Options
If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, the good news is that there's hope for you. Yes, this isn't the end of the world. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's up to you (or your family member or friend) to take advantage of the treatment options available. While undergoing treatment may seem a little bit daunting at first, remember that you need it. You can reverse the adverse effects that PTSD can have on you. One of the most effective methods to help with your post traumatic stress disorder is to speak with a doctor or therapist, such as those you can find at EMDRHealing.com and similar websites. If you wish to start your life on a more positive note, treatment should be an option for you not to miss out on.
Some of the most common and effective forms of treating post-traumatic stress disorder include:
Talking to a doctor or medical professional. A doctor or counselor, like the ones from Well Beings Counselling, for instance, can help you. They do this for a living and they have the proper training and expertise to help you get back on track with your mental health. Especially when your symptoms start to worsen, it's time for you to seek the help of a medical professional.
Calling 911 or an emergency hotline. This applies especially to those who may have friends who are suicidal or if you, yourself, is feeling this way. The person on the other end of the line can help you through this difficult time.
Talking to friends or loved ones. If you've recently detached from your friends and loved ones, now's the time for you to start talking to them again. Especially to those you know you can trust. Who knows, your family and friends may be able to give you that extra support you need.
Conclusion
If you know of anyone (or if it's you) who has post-traumatic stress disorder, the best course of action for you to take is to seek professional help. People who have PTSD have a difficult recovery when they aren't given the proper attention that they need and deserve. Through self-love, care, and help by a professional, the symptoms and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder can be better managed and treated.