Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, sometimes known as PTSD, is a mental health illness that can arise from experiencing or witnessing very stressful situations. Events that are emotionally and physically life-threatening, such as major catastrophes, natural disasters, war, terrorist attacks, sexual assault, rape, bullying, violence and so on can have a detrimental impact on a person’s general health.
Facts about PTSD:
- It was known as “shell shock” during World War I and was renamed “combat fatigue” during WWII. However, we now know that anyone, regardless of color, culture, or age, can experience this mental illness. It is also not limited to those serving in the military.
- In any given year, over 13 million people experience PTSD.
- The likelihood of women developing PTSD is twice that of men.
- At least one traumatic event affects 70% of adults at some point in their lives.
- PTSD affects 20% of survivors of catastrophic events.
- When PTSD was first included in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 1980, there was no recognized diagnosis for this mental illness.
- 6 Americans out of every 100 are likely to experience PTSD at some point.
PTSD symptoms:
For a few weeks after going through a difficult period or anything distressing, it is common for people to feel lethargic, restless, or unwilling to carry out their regular activities. However, PTSD may be present if the individual has been exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms for a longer period of time.
The manifestation of PTSD symptoms varies over time and among individuals. Generally speaking, there are four categories of symptoms:
Intrusion:
Among the signs of intrusive memories are:
- Dreams about the terrible incident
- Remembering or experiencing the traumatic event as though it were now occurring. We call these flashbacks.
- Intrusive thoughts, like uncontrollably recurring recollections.
Avoidance:
Among the signs of avoidance are:
- Refraining from discussing or thinking about the painful experience.
- Avoiding situations, people, places, and things that could bring up painful memories.
Changes in thinking and mood:
Symptoms of changes in thinking and mood are usually negative and may include:
- Thinking erroneously about causes or effects ultimately results in placing the blame on oneself or those around them.
- Inability to recall crucial details of the distressing experience.
- Feeling cut off or alienated from friends and family.
- Recurring emotions of terror, dread, rage, regret and humiliation.
- Unable to feel happy feelings.
Changes in arousal and reactivity:
The shifts in emotional and physical reactions are known as arousal symptoms. The following are signs and symptoms:
- Being agitated and prone to outbursts of anger.
- In a self-destructive state, such as driving carelessly or abusing alcohol.
- Easily startled.
- Hypervigilance
To be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a person must have symptoms for more than a month, as well as a clear sense of discomfort or problems that interfere with day-to-day functioning.
PTSD in children:
Children, particularly those suffering from PTSD, are unable to articulate their emotions and may exhibit restlessness, act twitchy, re-enacting aspects of events when playing, and having terrifying nightmares.
Though not everyone who has experienced trauma develops PTSD, traumatizing events can cause severe pain and stress. Furthermore, not all PTSD sufferers need psychiatric interventions; some may experience remission of their symptoms over time. Others find that they can recover and overcome their circumstances when they have a strong and caring support network.
When someone has been diagnosed with PTSD, their standard course of treatment consists of both talk therapy and medication. Yes, PTSD can be treated. To have a higher and earlier chance of healing, one only needs to be willing enough to seek treatment. Talk to us at Arbor Wellness to schedule an appointment with our healthcare professionals, and we’ll get you through it.
Sources:
https://www.sepsis.org/news/8-ptsd-facts-you-may-not-know/
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/ptsd/ptsd-statistics/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9545-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/index.asp
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd