Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that often presents after someone has been exposed to an extremely stressful situation. In many cases, PTSD will not show up until repeated trauma has been introduced, but some people develop PTSD after a single stressful event.
Although military service members are most often associated with PTSD diagnoses, anyone can be affected by this disorder. It should be noted that the traumatic event which has led to PTSD doesn’t need to be physically violent.
The Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can manifest in a variety of ways, and this disorder affects everyone differently. Additionally, some people experience severe symptoms that last for many years, but other people may only experience mild symptoms that resolve on their own within weeks or months.
Below are some of the most common symptoms and signs associated with PTSD:
- Persistent feelings of fear and a sense of impending danger
- Social avoidance or difficulty being in crowds
- Being easily startled by loud noises or overwhelming imagery
- Nightmares and insomnia
Additionally, some people with PTSD will find themselves replaying the triggering event or events over and over in their heads. In extreme cases, the person may believe that they are back in the stressful situation and even act accordingly.
Seeking Help for PTSD
Thankfully, help is available for the treatment of PTSD. Many people turn to PTSD therapy to deal with feelings surrounding the triggering event or events. PTSD therapy usually involves talking about what happened and how it has affected the individual. A counselor may provide strategies to deal with unwelcome feelings in an attempt to redirect thought patterns.
Prescription medications may also be used in cases where PTSD has led to depression and general anxiety. Medications, however, do not get to the root cause of the disorder, so they are not usually prescribed for long periods of time. Instead, they are used temporarily to bring relief to someone suffering from this condition while they work through cognitive and behavioral therapy.
Author Resource:-
Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at depression guide blog.
