PTSD: What affects a person with PTSD?

PTSD can cause you to feel stuck after a trauma, with unpleasant recollections and a persistent sense of risk. But you can feel safe once again and move on if you learn new coping mechanisms.

PTSD: What affects a person with PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder - PTSD: what is it?

A distressing incident that puts your safety in jeopardy can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. Although military combat is the most common cause among men, many people identify PTSD with battle-wounded soldiers. However, PTSD can result from any intense or emotionally upsetting occurrence, particularly if it seems unpredictable or uncontrollably happening.

Not simply those who have directly experienced a terrible incident are affected by PTSD. It affects witnesses as well as those who clean up the mess later, like law enforcement and emergency personnel. It can also happen to friends or relatives of the people who actually experienced the tragedy. You can take steps to control your symptoms, lessen upsetting memories, and go on with your life, regardless of what caused your post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD compared to a normal reaction to adverse events

Nearly everyone has at least some PTSD symptoms after a traumatic incident, such as a traffic accident, natural disaster, terrorist attack, or assault. It's common to feel off balance, disoriented, or numb when your feelings of security and trust are violated. It's not unusual to experience nightmares, feel afraid, and find it hard to stop thinking about what happened. These are typical responses to unusual occurrences.

Nonetheless, these symptoms are transient for the majority of people. They may linger for a few days or even weeks, but they eventually go away. However, if you have post-traumatic stress disorder, you don't get better every day and your symptoms don't go away. You might even begin to feel worse.

PTSD Questionnaire

What are the causes of PTSD?

The fight-or-flight reaction is how your nervous system responds to a stressful incident. Your blood pressure rises, your heart beats more quickly, and your muscles tense up, giving you more strength and quick reflexes. Your nervous system restores homeostasis by reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological stressors when the threat has passed.

When you are under excessive stress in a circumstance, you can develop PTSD. Your nervous system is "stuck," unable to return to its natural state of equilibrium, and you are unable to move on from the incident even if the danger has passed. Helping your nervous system get "unstuck" so you may heal and move past the trauma is a key component of PTSD recovery.

Typical painful events that might result in PTSD

PTSD can result from any experience that overwhelms your neurological system and leaves you feeling hopeless and powerless. Typical instances consist of:

• Conflict.
• Natural catastrophes.
• crashes involving cars or aircraft.
• Attacks by terrorists.
• The unexpected loss of a loved one.
• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Abuse and neglect in the home.

What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?

Because every person has a somewhat distinct nerve system and stress tolerance, PTSD manifests itself in different ways in different people. Even while PTSD symptoms typically manifest in the hours or days after a stressful experience, they can occasionally take weeks, months, or even years to manifest. Symptoms can occasionally seem to come on suddenly. Sometimes they are brought on by something that conjures up memories of the initial traumatic incident, like a sound, picture, phrase, or scent.

1. Going through the traumatic incident again.

• invasive, distressing recollections of the incident.
• Flashbacks: the perception or act of the incident recurring.
• nightmares (of the incident or other horrific sights).
• severe distress when the trauma is brought to mind.
• severe bodily reactions (heart palpitations, fast breathing, nausea, tense muscles, perspiration) to reminders of the incident.

2. Numbing and avoidance.

• Keeping away from things, people, ideas, or emotions that bring up the trauma.
• Inability to remember essential details of the incident.
• loss of enthusiasm for life in general and for activities.
• feeling emotionally numb and cut off from other people.
• a feeling that your options are limited, you don't plan to live a long life, get married, or pursue a career.

3. Elevated emotional arousal and anxiety (hyperarousal).

• inability to fall or keep asleep.
• Intolerance or fits of wrath.
• inability to concentrate.
• hypervigilance, living on "red alert" all the time.
• being jittery or quickly alarmed.
• unsafe or self-destructive actions.

4. Negative ideas and emotional swings.

• feeling isolated and estranged.
• despair and despondency.
• sentiments of betrayal and mistrust.
• Shame, guilt, or self-criticism.
• substance misuse.
• Pains and aches throughout the body.
• thoughts of suicide.

What are the symptoms of PTSD in kids and teens?

• dread of losing contact with their parent.
• losing previously learned abilities (like potty training).
• Nightmares and difficulty falling asleep.
• Play that is dark and obsessive, repeating themes or parts of the trauma.
• fresh fears and phobias that don't seem connected to the event (like fear of monsters).
• putting the pain into play, telling stories, or creating pictures.
• No apparent reason for the aches and pains.
• hostility and irritability.

What are the risk factors of PTSD?

Several risk factors make you more susceptible to developing PTSD in reaction to trauma, even though it's impossible to anticipate who will experience it. A lot of risk factors center on the specifics of the traumatic experience.

A serious threat to your life or personal safety during a traumatic incident increases your risk of having post-traumatic stress disorder; the more severe and longer the threat, the higher the chance of acquiring PTSD in response. In addition, deliberate human injury, such as rape, assault, and torture, tends to cause greater pain than "acts of God" or more impersonal mishaps and tragedies. Another factor is how sudden, unpredictable, and unavoidable the traumatic incident was.

• Past traumatic events, particularly those that occurred early in life.
• Depression or PTSD in the family history.
• past incidents of sexual or physical abuse.
• past drug misuse history.
• Anxiety, sadness, or other mental ailment history.
• a great deal of stress in daily existence.
• inadequate help following the trauma.
• Insufficient coping abilities

What is the type of PTSD?

Several stressful situations, such as military warfare, child abuse or neglect, racism, an accident, a natural disaster, a personal tragedy, or violence, can cause trauma or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD among former service members.

Too many soldiers had to deal with PTSD symptoms after serving their time in the military. It could be difficult to adjust to life after leaving the military. Alternatively, you can feel tense all the time, detached and emotionally numb, or on the verge of panicking or blowing up. However, it's crucial to realize that you're not alone and that there are many strategies available to help you reclaim control over your life, cope with depressive, anxious, or guilty feelings, and deal with nightmares and flashbacks.

Emotional and psychological trauma.

You may be traumatized if you have gone through a very unpleasant event (or sequence of events) that has left you feeling powerless and emotionally uncontrollable. A person might experience psychological trauma from any occurrence that shatters their sense of safety, including accidents, injuries, the unexpected death of a loved one, bullying, domestic abuse, or extremely humiliating experiences. Psychological trauma frequently has its origins in childhood. You can overcome the suffering, reclaim your sense of safety, and move on with your life, regardless of how long ago the trauma occurred.

Sexual trauma or rape.

Being sexually assaulted or raped can cause devastating trauma that can leave you feeling alone, afraid, and embarrassed. It can also cause nightmares, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories. Nevertheless, despite how awful you may be feeling right now, you have to keep in mind that you didn't cause what happened and that you are capable of regaining your sense of security, value, and trust.

Trauma was racial.

Traumatic stress based on race results from being subjected to racist abuse, prejudice, or unfair treatment. It can weaken your sense of self-worth and result in high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, substance misuse, and even PTSD symptoms including mood swings, hypervigilance, and negative thinking. However, there are strategies to improve your mental health and resilience.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD): what is it?

Many people believe that complex post-traumatic stress disorder, often known as CPTSD or C-PTSD, is more serious than PTSD. Chronic exposure to traumatic experiences is the cause of it. CPTSD may arise, for instance, after years of ongoing domestic abuse if you were raised in an abusive home. This illness may also afflict those who endure the protracted trauma of slavery or other cruel conditions.

Many of the symptoms of PTSD, including hypervigilance, flashbacks, and emotional numbness, may also be present in those with CPTSD. These symptoms include:

• Negative ideas about oneself: You battle with persistent feelings of humiliation and unworthiness.
• Inability to regulate feelings: You react strongly, feel too sensitive, and find it difficult to control your wrath. Dissociation, or the sense of being cut off from the outside world, is something you could encounter.
• Having trouble in relationships: You find it difficult to make and keep friends and love connections. Isolation is a typical feeling.

Several symptoms of complex PTSD are also present in borderline personality disorder-BPD. Trauma may contribute to the development of BPD in many individuals.

Treatment for PTSD.

To recover from PTSD, you must assist your nervous system in regaining its equilibrium prior to the event. You don't have to wait for a doctor's appointment to begin feeling better, in fact, this process is made simpler with the direction and assistance of a qualified therapist or physician. You can take back control of your life, lessen anxiety and panic, and assist yourself in managing your symptoms right now.

Recovering from PTSD requires a steady, progressive approach. It takes time to happen, and the trauma's memories never really go away. This can sometimes make life seem hard. But you can start to heal and go on with the support of these useful suggestions:

Strategy 1: Fight your sense of powerlessness.

Overcoming your feelings of helplessness is crucial to recovering from PTSD. It's crucial to remind yourself that you have coping mechanisms and strengths that can help you get through these trying moments because trauma can make you feel weak and helpless.

assisting others is one of the finest ways to regain your sense of power. Giving blood, offering your time, helping a buddy in need, or contributing to your favorite charity are some ways you might accomplish this. Taking proactive measures immediately combats the feeling of powerlessness which is a prevalent PTSD symptom.

• Find out about PTSD and trauma.
• Attend a support group for PTSD.
• Use calming strategies.
• Go outside and do things.
• Have faith in someone you can trust.
• Spend time with upbeat individuals.
• Steer clear of drugs and alcohol.
• Savor the tranquility of the natural world.

Strategy 2: Get moving.

Exercise can do more for you than just release endorphins and lift your spirits while you're dealing with PTSD. Exercise can really assist your nervous system in becoming "unstuck" and starting to transition out of the immobility stress response by having you truly pay attention to your body and how it feels while you move. Try this:

• Exercises with a rhythm that uses both your arms and legs: like dancing, swimming, walking, or running, can be beneficial. But pay attention to how your body feels, not what's going through your head. Take note of your breathing patterns, the sensation of the wind on your skin, or the sound of your feet striking the ground.
• Martial arts, boxing, weightlifting, or rock climbing: Because you risk injury if you don't pay attention to your body's actions, these exercises can help you concentrate more easily.
• Residing in a natural setting: Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and skiing can assist veterans in managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and readjusting to civilian life. But the benefits of being outside don't just apply to the military. The calm, solitude, and relaxation that come with spending time in nature are beneficial for anyone suffering from PTSD.

Your nervous system can be "unstuck" and your sense of powerlessness can be challenged by concentrating on physically demanding outdoor activities. Look for neighborhood groups that provide chances for team-building exercises or outdoor leisure.

Strategy 3: Seek assistance from others.

If you suffer from PTSD, you could feel socially alienated. You could have the desire to withdraw from social contacts and your loved ones. However, it's critical to maintain ties to your loved ones and life.

Social interaction with a person you can trust is the most effective way to calm your nervous system, so make sure you feel at ease with them. You don't need to talk about the trauma, but having other people's company and supportive care is crucial to your recovery.

Make an effort to connect with someone you can spend quality time with without interruption; someone who will listen to you when you need to vent without passing judgment or becoming sidetracked. That someone may be your partner, a friend, a family member, or a licensed therapist.

• Donating your time or helping a buddy who is in need. This can assist you in taking back control of your life in addition to being a fantastic method to communicate with people.
• Attending a support group for PTSD. This can give you vital information about how to manage your symptoms and move toward recovery, as well as make you feel less alone and alone.

Strategy 4: Take up a healthy way of living.

Because the physical effects of PTSD symptoms can be severe, it's critical to look after your health and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

• Give yourself some time to unwind: Deep breathing, yoga, massage, and meditation are examples of relaxation treatments that help trigger the body's relaxation response and lessen PTSD symptoms.
• Steer clear of drugs and alcohol: One may find it tempting to use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication when they are dealing with challenging emotions and painful memories. However, several PTSD symptoms, such as emotional numbness, social isolation, hostility, and depression, are made worse by substance abuse. It may also exacerbate relationship issues and cause interference with treatment.
• Eat a balanced diet: To keep your energy and mental clarity throughout the day, eat harmonious, nutrient-dense meals throughout the morning. Breakfast is also the greatest time to start the day. Consume foods high in omega-3s, such as walnuts, flaxseed, and fatty fish, as they are essential for mental well-being. Reducing your intake of processed foods, fried foods, refined carbs, and sugars might make mood swings and energy swings worse.
• Make time for sleep: Not getting enough sleep can lead to irritability, anger, and moodiness. Make an effort to obtain seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Create a calming nighttime routine by reading a light book, listening to music that promotes relaxation, or making your bedroom as quiet, dark, and peaceful as you can.

Why it's important to get PTSD treatment?

• It is better to start treatment early: PTSD symptoms could worsen. Taking care of them now may help prevent them from getting worse later on. Acquiring knowledge about which treatments are effective, where to get assistance, and what questions to ask can facilitate seeking assistance and improve results.
• Symptoms of PTSD can alter family dynamics: Having PTSD symptoms can interfere with your family life. You can discover that you become distant from those you love, struggle to get along with others, or become irrationally angry or even aggressive. Getting PTSD treatment can make a positive difference in your family life.
• PTSD and other health issues may be connected: Physical health issues can worsen as a result of PTSD symptoms. Studies have demonstrated a correlation between heart problems and PTSD, for instance. Receiving PTSD treatment may also assist your physical well-being.

How to help someone with PTSD?

Having a loved one with post-traumatic stress disorder can hurt your family life and relationships. It can be difficult to comprehend why your loved one is less affectionate and more erratic, or why they won't open up to you. Aside from job loss, substance misuse, and other stressful issues, PTSD symptoms can also cause these other issues.

Do your best not to take your loved one's PTSD symptoms personally, no matter how aloof, agitated, or closed off they appear. Remind yourself that this probably has no bearing on you or your partnership. Alternatively, you can assist someone who has PTSD in recovering from the trauma, regaining control over their life, and facilitating your relationship.

Finally, after a traumatic occurrence, getting professional care may be extremely challenging. Recognize that therapy is an option for PTSD and that it will eventually improve your symptoms. Discuss therapy alternatives with your healthcare practitioner; keep in mind that they are there to support and assist you.