Everything you need to know about the disorderStressAfter an incident
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition that individuals experience after a terrifying event. They may either be involved in the event or simply witness the distressing occurrence. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, orsevere anxietythat creates uncontrollable thoughts, leading to complications inmental health SelMagzYou’ll find more detailed information about it here.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress
Post-traumatic stress disorder typically shows symptoms about a month after the incident, but sometimes symptoms may remain hidden for up to a year. These symptoms can lead to significant issues in social and work environments or even in an individual’s personal relationships, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder generally fall into four categories:
- Involuntary memories
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in thought and mood
- Changes in emotional and physical reactions
These symptoms may vary from person to person.
Involuntary memory symptoms
- Constantly recalling memories without the individual intending to do so.
- Feeling as though the distressing event is happening again.
- Disturbing dreams and nightmares about the specific event.
- Experiencing severe emotional stress and physical reactions reminiscent of that painful memory.
Avoidance symptoms
- Efforts to erase memories of the past
- Avoiding conversations about the specific event
- Steering clear of places, activities, or people that remind you of the incident
Symptoms of negative changes in thought and mood
- Negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems
- Difficulty recalling the distressing incident
- Struggles to connect with close individuals
- Negative feelings within family or among friends
- Loss of excitement in activities that were previously enjoyable
- Inability to experience positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
Symptoms of changes in emotional and physical responses
- Startling easily
- Guarding against others’ actions
- Engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or reckless driving
- Having trouble sleeping
- Difficulty focusing
- Restlessness
- Aggressive behavior or emotional outburstsAnger
- Feelings of guilt and shame
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children under 6 years old
- Acting out the specific distressing event during various activities, including play
- Experiencing terrifying dreams that relive those memories
The intensity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder vary in intensity. If you experience stress in public, these symptoms are likely to intensify, especially when faced with reminders of the incident. For example, hearing a sound similar to that of the incident or seeing a similar image can worsen your condition.
When to see a doctor?
If the symptoms and feelings you experienced last for more than a month and intensify, and you feel you can no longer control your thoughts, definitely consult a doctor to improve these symptoms as quickly as possible.
If you have thoughts aboutsuicideyou must discuss this issue with a doctor. Also, consider anyone around you who may be experiencing this disorder, and if you notice such thoughts in them, ensure they receive medical treatment.
Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder
Doctors are still unsure about the exact causes of post-traumatic stress disorder, but the following conditions may contribute to its development:
- A stressful experience that depends on the intensity of the stress in that incident.
- Risks related to mental health issues that can be hereditary, for example, if someone in the family has anxiety disorders ordepressionhas been diagnosed.
- Personality disorders.
- Disruption of chemical and hormone regulation released in response to stress.
Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder
People of all ages may experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of these signs are likely to increase your risk and include:
- Experiencing a severe, strong, and prolonged traumatic event
- Experiencing distressing events during childhood, such as abuse
- Having a job that triggers memories similar to the incident
- Having mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety disorders
- Using drugs or hallucinogenic substances
- Lacking support from family or friends
- Having a blood relation to individuals with mental health issues like severe anxiety or depression
Challenges and issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your entire life, job, relationships, and enjoyment of daily activities. It also increases the risk of mental health issues, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Issues related to substance abuse (especially tranquilizers and anxiety medications)
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts
Preventing anxiety after an incident
After experiencing a traumatic event, you may initially notice symptoms. For instance, you might find it difficult to stop thinking about the traumatic experience. Feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, and guilt are usually part of the natural reactions following an incident. Not everyone will experience this condition, but it’s wise to stay in touch with a doctor and keep yourself monitored and treated so you can prevent problems if needed.
Diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder
A doctor may perform the following actions to diagnose this condition:
- Conducting a physical examination
- Reviewing medications you have taken in the past
- Assessing your mental and emotional state
The following conditions will also be evaluated:
- Have you been directly exposed to the incident?
- Were you a second or third party witness to the event?
- Did you hear about the event only from others?
- Did you feel at risk or do you know the details of the event?
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
Treatment can help you regain control in your life. Typically, the primary treatment is therapy, but some doctors may also prescribe medication.
Alongside medication, they may teach you skills that help alleviate symptoms and enable you to think more positively about yourself, others, and the world. They will instruct you on ways to manage symptoms and improve your experiences.
They may also prescribe medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and specific treatments to ease nighttime nightmares for better symptom control.
