Living With PTSD
What is PTSD?
Post traumatic stress disorder or more commonly known as PTSD is a disorder that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event. Some examples are a car crash, war, rape, sudden or unexpected death, or other horrific events. It is normal for a person to feel some sort of fear after a traumatic event. It is when the symptoms continue to last that it becomes a problem in our everyday lives and could potentially be PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can occur immediately after an incident has happened. Again, it is normal for people to experience symptoms of PTSD after a traumatic experience, but it is when the symptoms last for weeks or even months that medical attention is needed. Only a doctor can diagnose you with post traumatic stress disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms seek a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist to get help. Let us take a closer look at the symptoms of PTSD.
Intrusive memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
· Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
· Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
· Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
· Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Avoidance
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
· Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
· Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
· Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
· Hopelessness about the future
· Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
· Difficulty maintaining close relationships
· Feeling detached from family and friends
· Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
· Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
· Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) 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
· Trouble concentrating
· Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
· Overwhelming guilt or shame
Coping with PTSD
There are a number of things you can do to combat the symptoms of PTSD. First and foremost, talk to a healthcare provider about your situation. They may start you on a medication to help with the symptoms. Below are some tips on coping with PTSD.
- Talk to someone about your situation
- Get medicated
- Work through the event rather than avoiding it
- Start one on one or group therapy
- Write out the traumatic event and read it to yourself daily
Can you live with PTSD
Plain and simple, yes you can! PTSD does not define a person. The symptoms of PTSD can get in the way of everyday life but they are manageable. With the right treatment and help, one can live a normal life while having PTSD.
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