What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such events may include natural disasters, serious accidents, violent assaults, or military combat.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of PTSD can vary but often include:
- Intrusive thoughts such as repeated, involuntary memories; distressing dreams; or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
- Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood, such as exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself or the world, or feelings of fear, guilt, or shame.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions like being easily startled, feeling tense, or having difficulty sleeping.
What Are the Causes?
PTSD is not caused by weakness or character flaws but can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that causes intense fear, horror, or feelings of helplessness. Factors that can increase the risk of developing PTSD include the intensity and duration of the trauma, having experienced previous traumatic events, and having a mental health condition or a family history of mental health conditions.
Treatments
Treatment for PTSD typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Psychotherapies used include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Antidepressant medications can also be effective in treating PTSD.
Self Help
Along with professional treatment, self-care strategies can help manage symptoms of PTSD. These may include :
- Regular Physical Activity
- Adequate sleep
- A Healthy diet
- Avoiding Alcohol & Drugs
- Staying Connected With Supportive and Caring People
- Learning stress management and relaxation Techniques.