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
