Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become an increasing mental health concern over recent years. Unlike chronic stress, which can develop from a number of lifestyle factors, PTSD is caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. The anxiety disorder affects your wellness after you’ve gone through military combat, a serious road accident, a terrorist attack, a natural disaster (such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis), being held hostage, witnessing violent deaths or a violent personal assault, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery.
It’s not hard to see how such events might affect your sense of wellbeing, and this is why up to 30% of those who go through traumatic events experience PTSD symptoms. These can develop immediately following the event, or can come on later, whether that’s in a few weeks, months or even years. The major difference to note is that PTSD develops in any situation where you feel extreme fear, horror or helplessness, where as situations that are simply upsetting – such as divorce, job loss or failing exams – do not bring on PTSD symptoms. You may find that your symptoms are less noticeable for long periods, which is known as symptom remission, but these periods are often followed by an increase in symptoms. Or, you may find your symptoms are severe and constant. But what are the symptoms of PTSD?
1. Re-experiencing: This is the most typical symptom of PTSD and causes you to involuntarily and vividly relive the traumatic event. Be it from flashbacks, nightmares or repetitive and distressing images or sensations, these constant reminders of the traumatic event can bring on distressing memories which cause you considerable anguish.
2. Avoidance: As re-experiencing can really take its toll on your wellbeing, many people with PTSD try to avoid being reminded of the traumatic event. Whether people, situations or circumstances resemble or are associated with the event, you will try to avoid these things in order to push the memories of the event out of your mind. You probably don’t like talking or even thinking about the event in detail, but will repeatedly ask yourself questions that prevent you from coming to terms with it. You may, for example, keep wondering why this has happened to you and what you or someone else could have done to prevent the event.
3. Hyperarousal: This is the technical term for feeling “on edge”. You may be very anxious most of the time and find it difficult to relax if you’re struggling with PTSD. It may be hard for you to concentrate, sleep or control your outbursts of anger and irritation, as you are constantly aware of threats and easily startled.
4. Emotional numbing: As with avoidance, you may try to deal with your feelings by trying to not feel anything at all. This emotional numbing means that you detach or isolate yourself from others, and may often experience feelings of guilt. The people around you can think you’re deep in thought and withdrawn, and you may have also given up on pursuing the activities that you used to enjoy.
5. Other symptoms: There are many symptoms associated with PTSD, which include;
- Depression, anxiety and phobias
- Drug misuse or alcohol misuse
- Sweating, shaking, and dizziness,
- Chest pains
- Headaches
- Stomach upsets
- Relationship problems
- Problems in the workplace
If your child has witnessed a traumatic event, he or she can also experience PTSD. The symptoms of this are often similar to those that an adult might develop, but you should look out for sleeping troubles and frightening and upsetting dreams. You may also find that your child has lost interest in activities that they used to enjoy, and is experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches.
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