Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experienced by many who have experienced a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating and lead to long-term negative consequences if left untreated. In this post, you will learn about the different types of PTSD, what causes it and how to overcome it. A person with PTSD may feel like their world has been shattered. They may feel like they are constantly on edge, not knowing when something will trigger another flashback or panic attack. Those who live with PTSD know that life has changed forever. Some common effects of post-traumatic stress disorder are intense fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation. If you or someone you love struggles with PTSD, you’ll find relief in the following tips.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when someone has experienced a traumatic event and continues to be negatively impacted by it long after the event has passed. PTSD can show up in anyone who has gone through a traumatic event. Still, it is not uncommon for those who have served in combat, have been sexually assaulted, or have experienced a severe car accident. Although “post-traumatic stress disorder” is often used as a general term, there are five different types of PTSD. Common symptoms of PTSD include being easily startled, having trouble sleeping, feeling depressed, having feelings of guilt or blaming yourself, feeling detached from others, having flashbacks/bad dreams, having feelings of anxiety, having an increased startle response, avoiding situations that remind you of the traumatic event, feeling emotionally numb, having trouble concentrating, having an increased risk of substance abuse, and having thoughts of suicide.
Types of PTSD
– Acute Stress Disorder: This type of PTSD develops in the first few days after a traumatic event. While it should go away after a few weeks, it can sometimes lead to PTSD. – PTSD due to exposure to death and dying: This type is triggered by a direct experience with death or learning that someone you know has died. – PTSD due to sexual assault: This type is triggered by a sexual assault. – Situational PTSD: This type is triggered by a traumatic event unrelated to death or physical harm. Events that could trigger situational PTSD include natural disasters, car accidents, and seeing severe injury. – Resulting from exposure to child abuse: This type of PTSD is triggered by exposure to child abuse. – Resulting from exposure to trauma as an observer: This type of PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event that you did not experience directly, such as seeing someone get hurt.
Causes of PTSD
Any event that leads to a lot of fear and danger can result in PTSD. Events that commonly result in PTSD include war, sexual assault, abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, or the death of a loved one. Not everyone who experiences these things will develop PTSD, but certain factors make certain people more likely to develop PTSD. – Genetic: factors may play a role in the development of PTSD. Research has found that people with a particular variation of a serotonin transporter gene are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. – Childhood trauma: Childhood trauma, such as emotional or physical abuse, or sexual assault, can make a person more likely to develop PTSD as an adult. – Lack of social support: Having strong social support from family and friends can lower your risk of PTSD. – Having another mental health condition: Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can make PTSD more likely.
How to overcome PTSD
If you have PTSD, you are not alone. Unfortunately, many people with PTSD are too ashamed to seek treatment. They think they should be able to “just get over it,” but PTSD is a severe condition requiring professional help. If you want to overcome PTSD, here are the best ways to start. –
Seek treatment: You cannot just will yourself out of PTSD. It is an actual medical condition that requires treatment.
Find a therapist who specialises in PTSD, Like EMDR treatment. And talk to them about your symptoms. –
Practice self-care: You cannot get better if you don’t care for yourself. Make sure you are eating well and getting enough sleep. –
Stay connected with loved ones:
Avoiding people who care about you only worsens your condition. –
Connect with others in recovery: Find support groups online or in your area for people who have gone through what you have. –
Practice relaxation techniques: Stress and anxiety can make PTSD worse. Use relaxation techniques to stay calm when you feel stressed. –
Practice mindfulness: Learn to be in the moment and focus on your current experiences rather than the past. –
Avoid alcohol and drugs: Substance abuse can make PTSD worse. Avoid using alcohol and drugs and seek help if you need it. –
Stick to a healthy routine: Keep your routine as consistent as possible. This helps reduce anxiety. –
Keep a journal: Write about your feelings and experiences. Journaling can help you process your emotions. –
Focus on your self-care: You can’t help others until you help yourself. Focus on taking care of your mental and physical health. –
Stay connected with loved ones: Avoiding people who care about you only worsens your condition. –
Stay away from stress: Stress can trigger PTSD symptoms. Avoid stressful situations if possible. –
Stay mindful: Mindfulness is an excellent tool for people with PTSD because it helps them stay in the present and away from the past. –
Think about your future: Focus on the positive changes you can make in your life. –
Take care of your health: Physical health is just as important as mental health. Make sure you are eating healthy and exercising. –
Keep a journal: Write about your feelings and experiences. Journaling can help you process your emotions. –
Take care of yourself: You can’t help others until you help yourself. Focus on taking care of your mental and physical health. –
Be positive: Stay positive and focus on the positive things in your life.
Final Words
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe condition that can negatively affect your mental and physical health. If you or someone you love struggles with PTSD, you can overcome it. Just remember that you are not alone, and there is help available.
