PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And Its Symptoms
June 27th is observed as PTSD Awareness Day every year. PTSD is the abbreviation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is likely to occur when an individual goes through a traumatic event or an experience in their life. It is likely to develop in some people when they have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. If we talk about human nature, it is very like to be afraid after a traumatizing event or experience. It is known to be a common disorder amongst veterans due to their exposure to such damaging situations. PTSD can start showing its symptoms within a month of the event, and in some cases, they may not even appear after a year. Hence, we can conclude that it is not time-bound. It can occur at any time.
The four different types of symptoms in PTSD:
Intrusive Memories:
An individual suffering from PTSD may suffer from intrusive memories. Intrusive memories are referred to as the recalling of the event and re living the same scenario in one’s mind, again and again. An individual suffers from having flashbacks of the event, and their sleep pattern is also disturbed. It is due to upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event.
2. Avoidance
One of the most common symptoms is that an individual completely avoids any topic relating to the incident. They avoid talking about it, and they avoid mentioning it. There are high chances a person may also not visit people relating to the traumatic event and might avoid places or events that are linked to it.
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and In Mood
Negativity is at its peak when it comes to PTSD. Everything looks dull, and life seems to have no meaning. Individuals tend to forget some important aspects of the traumatic event. Their relationships also suffer, it becomes difficult for them to maintain close relationships. They don’t take any interest in any activity or sport. It becomes highly difficult to maintain some level of positivity in their life.
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions are also called arousal symptoms. A person suffering from PTSD may easily be frightened or startled. They tend to have self-destructive behavior. These tactics might not be suicidal, but actions like driving fast or drinking too much. PTSD patients suffer from a lack of concentration and usually have trouble sleeping.
