Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects millions of people around the world. Here are symptoms to look out for.
Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when a person experienced or witnessed a shocking, scary, traumatic or dangerous event.
It is one of the most common mental disorders in the world today and up to ten percent of the population have been affected by clinically diagnosable PTSD, reports SADAG.
PTSD signs can show up months or even years after the traumatic events.
Let's look at some of the common signs of PTSD.
Intrusive memories
People suffering from PTSD might have intrusive memories of the traumatic experience. This can occur in their sleep as a nightmare or during the day as flashbacks.
As a result, WebMD states that the person would then feel anxious, afraid, guilty, suspicious or experience physical reactions in the form of chills, shaking, headaches, heart palpitations, and panic attacks.
Avoidance
People who suffer from PTSD might avoid thinking about what happened or talking about the traumatic event. They might even be afraid of going to places that might trigger or remind them of the traumatic event.
Behavioural changes
Hyperarousal, restlessness, irrational behaviour, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating and sleeping are some of the behavioural changes exhibited by those suffering from PTSD.
Chronic fatigue
People suffering from PTSD might find that they are always feeling tired no matter how much time they sleep/rest.
READ: Katie Price recalls being raped in South Africa in new doccie
Chronic pain
Dealing with PTSD can result in one having chronic back or shoulder pain.
Psychologist Dr Judy told MedCircle: "A lot of individuals will have pain in various parts of their body and again, sometimes it is tied to a medical issues, but a lot of times it is not. So they will have chronic back pain, chronic shoulder pain and they don't know why and there is no good explanation for it. Often times that chronic pain is where you are holding the stress. It is a sign that some distress hasn't been processed."
You can also get chronic headaches.
Gastric distress
According to Dr Judy, GI distress is another symptom of PTSD.
People who have GI distress might experience constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, gas, bloating, and diarrhoea.
Lack of feeling
SADAG states that 'PTSD sufferers will frequently say that they cannot feel emotion, especially towards those closest to them. When emotions are felt, there is often difficulty in expressing them. As the avoidance continues, the person may seem bored, cold or preoccupied. Family members often feel rebuffed by the PTSD sufferer because he or she lacks affection and acts in a mechanical manner.'
READ: Expert advice on how to manage stress
Mood swings
The following symptoms are stated by SADAG.
Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world.
Hopelessness about the future.
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
Difficulty maintaining close relationships.
Feeling detached from family and friends.
Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Insomnia.
If you are suffering from these symptoms, it is important to seek help as PTSD can negatively affect your life.
The trauma therapy and trauma treatment will be tailored to your needs.
READ: Post-traumatic stress disorder - symptoms, causes and treatment
Contact Cipla Mental Health Helpline - 0800 456 789 or SADAG on 011 234 4837.
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
More From Jacaranda FM
Image courtesy of iStock/ @ipopba