How to recognise the signs of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a violent assault, a serious accident, or a war. PTSD can cause significant distress and impairment in various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and physical health. However, many people who have PTSD may not be aware of their condition or may not seek help due to stigma, shame, or fear. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognise the signs of PTSD and how to get professional support if needed.
The signs of PTSD can vary from person to person and may change over time. However, some common symptoms include:
- Reliving the traumatic event through intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional distress when reminded of the event.
- Avoiding anything that reminds you of the trauma, such as places, people, activities, or thoughts that trigger unpleasant feelings.
- Feeling constantly on edge, irritable, angry, or jumpy. Having difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or relaxing. Being easily startled or frightened by loud noises or sudden movements.
- Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally disconnected from yourself and others. Having difficulty expressing or feeling positive emotions. Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Having negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world. Feeling guilty, ashamed, or hopeless about the trauma or its consequences. Blaming yourself or others for what happened.
- Engaging in risky or harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or aggression. Having suicidal thoughts or attempts.
If you experience any of these signs for more than a month after a traumatic event, you may have PTSD and should seek professional help. PTSD is not a sign of weakness or failure; it is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. There are effective treatments available for PTSD that can help you cope with your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some of these treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma and replace them with more realistic and positive ones.
- Exposure therapy, which helps you gradually confront and process your traumatic memories and reduce your fear and avoidance responses.
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), which helps you process your traumatic memories by stimulating your brain with eye movements or other sensory inputs while recalling the event.
- Support groups, which can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences and feelings with others who have gone through similar traumas.
If you think you have PTSD or know someone who does, do not hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone and there is hope for recovery. You can start by talking to your family doctor, a mental health professional, a trusted friend or family member, or a helpline service in your area. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage, not weakness or shame.