What Are the Symptoms of PTSD And When to Seek Help?

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops after a person goes through a traumatic and life-altering experience. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts about the incident, recurrent distress/anxiety, flashback and avoidance of similar situations. PTSD can either be a temporary occurrence or it can have a long-term effect, and it can cause serious hindrances to one’s daily life if not treated properly or in a timely manner.

PTSD Symptoms

The symptoms can start showing within 1st month or it can even take years to make an appearance. However, detecting the symptoms at an early stage will help with treating PTSD as early as possible. PTSD symptoms are divided into four categories and they can vary over time or vary from person to person.

1. Intrusive Memories

Intrusive memories are a major symptom of PTSD and they may include:

● Flashbacks and reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again

● Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

● Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

● Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

2. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

Symptoms may include:

● Negative thoughts about themselves or other people around

● Feeling of detachment from loved ones and friends

● Struggle in maintaining relationships with family people

● Feeling emotionally numb

● Lack of interest in your favourite activities

● Memory problem

● Feeling of hopelessness about the future.

3. Change in Emotional and Physical Reactions

Also called Arousal symptoms, these may include:

• Being easily startled or frightened

• Always being on guard for danger

• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

• Trouble sleeping

• Lack of concentration

• Aggressive behaviour, irritability, or angry outbursts

• Overwhelming guilt or shame

For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

• Re-enacting the traumatic event through play

• Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event

4. Avoidance

Symptoms may include:

● Avoiding places, activities or people that may resemble and trigger memories of the traumatic event

● Avoiding talks or thoughts the traumatic event

Causes

There are several reasons that can eventually lead to the development of PTSD such as witnessing a gruesome murder, being threatened at gunpoint, getting seriously injured, sexual abuse, etc.

Intensity of Symptoms

Intensity of PTSD symptoms can vary over time. You may experience PTSD symptoms more when you're stressed in general, or when you come across reminders of what you went through.

When To See A Doctor

If the disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event persists for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you're having trouble getting your life back under control, seek assistance of a doctor or a mental health professional. Getting immediate medical attention can help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.

When to Get Emergency Help

If you know you may hurt yourself or our getting suicidal thoughts then call on your local emergency number immediately. If possible then visit your nearest hospital emergency room.