Familiarizing Yourself with the Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

We often associate PTSD with flashbacks to traumatic events, but people often aren't aware of the different types of symptoms that may be present in people with PTSD. This article will give an overview of PTSD, including its symptoms, and explore the options for treatment to help people with PTSD heal and improve their lives.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs as the result of trauma, such as rape, war, terrorism, torture, a natural disaster, or the unexpected death of a loved one. PTSD is a normal response to an abnormal situation. When you experience a traumatic event, your body and brain react to protect you from danger. This natural biological reaction is known as the fight-or-flight response. 

Types of PTSD Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the most common signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include:

1. Avoidance Symptoms

During traumatic events, people have a natural tendency to try to escape or avoid anything that reminds them of the event. The fear or anxiety can be so overwhelming that they feel they have to avoid situations that could bring back memories of the traumatic event. 

Fear and anxiety are in the body and mind and can be extremely difficult to control. However, avoidance behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Avoidance prevents you from learning how to cope with PTSD symptoms, and it can lead to life changes that may cause a reduction in quality of life.

2. Re-Experiencing symptoms

A defining symptom of PTSD is experiencing memories of the traumatic event again, even though you are safe. This can happen in different ways. Nightmares are the most common. Flashbacks are also a common way that people with PTSD experience the traumatic event again. Flashbacks can be very vivid, leaving you feeling like you are back in a traumatic situation.

3. Hyper Arousal Symptoms

Anxiety, irritability, and sleep trouble are common symptoms of PTSD. Hyperarousal is when your body and mind remain in a state of heightened alertness. It can be exhausting to live with. Most people with PTSD frequently feel on edge. They may be jumpy, easily startled, and irritable. They may also have trouble concentrating, remembering details of the traumatic event, or relaxing. 

4. Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms include thoughts or feelings that make it hard to function or cause intense guilt or shame. You may have thoughts about not having done anything to prevent the traumatic event. These "what ifs" can be very difficult to live with.

Negative thinking about yourself or your future can also negatively impact your ability to function. Feeling guilty about a traumatic event or feeling ashamed can also cause a person to withdraw from people or activities. 

Conclusion

PTSD can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. It can cause physical and mental health problems, social problems like becoming isolated, and difficulty holding down a job.

Traumatic experiences affect people in many ways. Fortunately, PTSD is treatable. When you are ready to heal, working with a professional can help you overcome PTSD and regain a sense of balance in your life.

Visit us for trauma counseling in Houston. Our organization exists to help individuals recover from their trauma and take control of their lives. Remember, help is just a phone call away.