Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and How to Deal with It

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SYMPTOMS
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
AND HOW TO DEAL WITH
Understanding PTSD and How to Cope with the
Disorder
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An Introduction to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) is an often
  misunderstood and under-diagnosed 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

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Common Symptoms Associated with PTSD (Clinical)

• Intrusive Memories
• Avoidance
• Mental Changes
• Emotional Changes

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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.

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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.
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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.
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Mental Changes
PTSD is often diagnosed hand-in-hand with
depression because it affects a persons mood in
the same way depression might. Those suffering
PTSD may

• experience fatigue,
• lack of interest,
• emotional numbness
• and experience an utter lack of positivity.

Example someone with PTSD ignoring phone calls
from friends because theyre too exhausted and
numb to socialize.
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Emotional Changes
PTSD can also be seen in someones outward
emotional responses, such as

• crying jags,
• bouts of extreme anger,
• paranoia
• 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.
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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.
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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.
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Psychotherapy
Its important to talk to a therapist regularly
after youre 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.
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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.
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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.