Posted: April 30th, 2022
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event like a fatal accident, war, rape, loss of a loved one, or a natural disaster like an earthquake or a hurricane. The chance that one will develop PTSD depends on the event experienced and the immediate impact of the incident. According to research, 5 to 10% of Australians are likely to suffer from PTSD at some point in their life.
After going through a traumatic event, it is common to experience reactions such as fear, anger, restlessness, shock, or even guilt. These reactions often last a few days or weeks and gradually fade off. But for a person who has PTSD, these reactions and feelings don’t go away. Instead, they continue intensifying for months or years and may go to the extent of interfering with a person’s normal life.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms are often visible within one month of a traumatic event. However, for some people, the symptoms can take months or several years to appear. PTSD symptoms can be grouped into four categories
• Re-living the traumatic ordeal through thoughts and memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and hallucinations. The individual may also get upset or agitated wherever they are reminded of the traumatic event
• Avoiding people, activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind them of the trauma. A person may also avoid discussing the incident.
• Negative thoughts and mood. A person may constantly feel angry, guilty, and blaming themselves for what happened. They may also feel detached from other people and lack any interest in life or activities that they enjoyed before the event occurred.
• Increased arousal. This may include difficulties in concentrating, sleeping problems, continually feeling angry and irritated, feeling anxious, tensed, and being hypersensitive to danger
Treatment Plan
After experiencing a traumatic event, it is common to have symptoms like anger, anxiety, and fear. Seeking timely help and support may prevent these symptoms from progressing into PTSD. You can talk to a family member or a close friend who can listen to you and offer emotional support. Some people also prefer brief course therapy, while others turn to their faith.
Treatment for people with PTSD involves medications and psychotherapy-commonly known as the “talk” therapy. However, people are different, and PTSD impacts everyone differently. One treatment plan may be effective for one person and not work for another. If you have PTSD, ensure you consult with a qualified mental health professional who is experienced in treating PTSD who will assess you thoroughly and suggest a proper treatment plan.