SYMPTOMS of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

SYMPTOMS
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
AND HOW TO
DEAL WITH
Understanding PTSD and How to
Cope with the Disorder

An Introduction to Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
is an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed
disorder that springs from a
person experiencing something terrifying, or
witnessing something traumatizing.
The disorder typically manifests in
• depersonalization,
• dissociation,
• hallucination,
• and/or anxiety related
to the subject

Common Symptoms Associated with
PTSD (Clinical)
Intrusive Memories
Avoidance
Mental Changes
Emotional Changes

Common Symptoms Associated with
PTSD (Simplified)
Flashbacks to the event
Anxiety
Triggers
Nightmares
Physical memory of an event
Uncontrollable and compulsive thoughts
of the event.

Intrusive Memories
After someone has developed PTSD, they will
often experience sudden flashbacks to the event.
They can come suddenly and out of the blue, or
they can be triggered by an outside stimulus.
Example:
an army vet going through a war flashback
after fireworks are set off.

Avoidance
This mental anguish can cause a PTSD sufferer to
avoid people and places because they either
associate them with the trauma or they are
depressed/anxious about being around others/in
public.
Example:
an assault victim avoiding the grocery store
where the crime took place.

Mental Changes
PTSD is often diagnosed hand-in-hand with
depression because it affects a person’s mood in
the same way depression might.
Those suffering PTSD may
• experience fatigue,
• lack of interest,
• emotional numbness
• and experience an
utter lack of
positivity.
Example:
someone with PTSD ignoring phone calls
from friends because they’re too exhausted
and numb to socialize.

Emotional Changes
PTSD can also be seen in someone’s outward
emotional responses, such as
• crying jags,
• paranoia
• bouts of extreme anger, • or defensiveness.
PTSD often puts sufferers on edge, making them
alert and ready to defend themselves 24/7, even
when the existence of a threat is conceived in their
head.
Example:
a military vet reaching for his imagined gun
when he hears a loud noise come from
across the room.

PTSD and Self-Medicating
One symptom of PTSD is self-destructive
behavior brought on by drugs or alcoholism.
In the mind of someone with PTSD, being
drunk or high can dull the memory of the
traumatic experience and dull the anxiety it
brings.
Usually this is false – these crutches make
the problems and anxiety worse not
better and endanger others.

Treatment for PTSD
After PTSD has been diagnosed, treatment for
the disorder can begin.
Like most psychological treatments, there is no
sure or potentially long-lasting cure.
The purpose of therapy and medications
in the life of someone who has PTSD is to
give them control over their life, their
anxiety and their memories.

Psychotherapy
It’s important to talk to a therapist regularly after
you’re diagnosed with PTSD.
Whether your chosen therapist suggests the
more common treatment of cognitive therapy
(talking about the problem) or the controversial
method of exposure therapy (having a patient
directly confront their experience) is up to you
and the therapist you choose.
Both methods can be helpful, but consult your
therapist about their recommendations.

Medications
Many medications may be prescribed to someone
who has PTSD. While there is no specific drug for
the disorder, medications that help combat
depression, anxiety and insomnia are often given
to those suffering with the disorder.
SSRI medications are often prescribed as a
means of lessening depression and handling
psychosis that comes with PTSD.

Support
Those who suffer with PTSD also need a
supportive environment in which to heal.
Look for local support groups in order to share
your experiences and learn from others with the
same disorder.
Also look for support from friends and family.
They can help you stay on track with your
treatment plan and offer in-person
understanding while you go through this
difficult time in life.