Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an illness that you might get after a serious and frightening experience, including:  a natural disaster like an earthquake or flood, war,  terrorist attacks,  serious accidents,  seeing someone die, or  violence against you.

Someone can get symptoms of PTSD in hours or days after a traumatic event. For a lot of people, these symptoms become less severe as they come to terms with what has happened. When these symptoms do not go away, there is a possibility you might have PTSD.  PTSD usually develops in the first six months after trauma. In some people, symptoms may take years to develop.

The illness makes you re-live the event, which causes distress and difficulty in your day-to-day life.  Your symptoms may become worse if you see, hear or smell something that reminds you of the trauma

 Causes 

•  Violence against you 
•  Childhood abuse 
•  A car accident
•  Military combat or being in a war zone 
•  A natural disaster like an earthquake or fires,
•  Seeing someone die

 Symptoms

• Having flashbacks, dreams or nightmares about the event, 
• not being able to feel emotions, 
• not feeling connected to other people,
• not enjoying activities you used to like, 
• staying away from situations that remind you of the event, 
• feeling on edge, being startled easily 
• and always on the look out for threats, and  having problems sleeping
• PTSD can also give you physical symptoms such as dizziness and blurry vision during times of stress.

Treatment 

• Relaxation,
• assertiveness, 
• positive self-talk, 
• stopping negative emotions(REBT)                                                                  
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT
• Medication is not helpful for most people with PTSD. But your doctor might offer you medication if:  
• you find it hard to sleep,
• you have another mental illness 
• or  you would prefer to avoid therapy

Supporting People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Think about what you can do if you are worried about someone’s mental state or risk of self-harm. It will help to keep details of their mental health team and discuss a crisis plan with them
• You might find it easier to support someone with PTSD if you understand their symptoms, treatment and self management skills
• Advocacy
• Help manage own symptoms
• Support groups