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As a veteran or survivor of a difficult circumstance, you may understand the work it takes to overcome past traumas. Oftentimes, going through a terrible event or violence gets swept under the rug. Many people are not educated on the causes or symptoms of traumatic events.
Discover more about post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment options such as free mental health services for veterans. Also, learn how to help yourself or someone you know with recovery!
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder also referred to as PTSD, is a mental health disorder that occurs in a person’s life after a shocking and terrible event.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is defined by its impact on the individual after the event of their trauma. Many people associate PTSD with war veterans and military personnel; however, post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in anyone’s life.
According to Psychiatry.org, “PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD.”
Causes of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by either a singular experience, recurring experiences, or a witness to a terrible event. Common causes of PTSD are wars, car accidents, the sudden death of a loved one, torture, etc.
Outside of these stressful events, post-traumatic stress disorder can also occur because of violence such as domestic abuse or sexual abuse. Many people can develop PTSD because of one incident of abuse or multiple incidents of abuse.
Lastly, people live with post-traumatic stress disorder because they may witness something terrifying. This can include natural disasters, neighborhood violence, seeing others in pain (such as emergency services and hospitals), etc.
Signs and Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder depend on the victim, their experience, and the severity of their diagnosis. However, some symptoms must be present for a doctor to diagnose someone with PTSD.
Someone must have flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about their terrible event. They must also feel the need to avoid things that remind them of the event. For example, someone who was mugged may avoid leaving their house during certain times or avoid the area they were attacked.
Lastly, they must also experience a major change in their behavior and emotions. This can include irritation, insomnia, memory loss, anxiety, numbness, and others. When someone experiences these symptoms for a prolonged time and they see a difference in their daily life, they may have PTSD.
Treatment Options
The most common treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder is therapy and sometimes medication. A doctor will review a person’s physical health, medical history, family history, and lifestyle while deciding a person’s treatment options.
Therapy, specifically, psychotherapy, is typically used to treat PTSD patients. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, allows the individual a safe space to speak about their trauma and concerns. There are currently many free mental health options for those with PTSD as well as other options.
With the help of a mental health professional, the patient can slowly work through their symptoms and how to add positive coping mechanisms to their life. Medication can also be administered to the patient to help with symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, fear, and mood swings.
How You Can Help Those With PTSD
If there is someone in your life who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, there are ways that you can help them with recovery! It’s important for them to be surrounded by people who support them, but don’t push them too hard.
You can serve as their support by listening intently, letting them talk when they want to, and showing them that you care about their wellness. One of the most crucial aspects of helping those with PTSD is taking care of their own mental health. By checking in on your overall wellness, you can better care for them.
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