Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder caused by trauma. The trauma can be mental or physical or both. It can happen to anyone but is common among soldiers and victims of violence or emotional abuse. Illnesses can also cause PTSD.
Signs and Symptoms
If you’ve experienced trauma, watch for these signs. PTSD can occur immediately after the event or years later. The types of symptoms include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in mood and changes in physical and emotional reaction.
Intrusive memories
- Recurring, unwanted memories of the event.
- Reliving the event in flashbacks.
- Upsetting nightmares.
- Severe emotional distress or reaction to something that reminds you of the event.
Avoidance
- Avoiding thinking about it or talking about it.
- Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
Negative changes in mood
- Negative thoughts about yourself and others or the world
- Hopelessness
- Memory trouble
- Trouble maintaining relationships
- Feeling detached from others
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
- Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in Reactions
- Always on guard
- Easily startled
- Self-destruction like using drugs or alcohol
- Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
- Guilt or shame
- Outbursts
In children 6 years or younger
- Reenacting events in play
- Terrifying nightmares
The feelings can be intense and you should seek outside help to learn to cope and move on. Mantachie Rural Healthcare offers behavioral health services including counseling for PTSD. Don’t suffer alone, get help now. Click here to schedule an appointment.
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