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Addictions & Disorders » PTSD

PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by one or more traumatic events. PTSD makes you feel unsafe and helpless. Witnessing an unwanted, uncontrollable, and unpredicted event can lead to PTSD. It is not limited to the person who experienced it first-hand. It can also be seen in witnesses, emergency workers, Law enforcement officers, first responders, close friends and family.

The development of PTSD varies among different people. Sometimes PTSD can start within an hour of the traumatic situation. But some cases take weeks, months, and as long as years to exhibit symptoms.

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Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include:

  • Terrorist attacks
  • Sexual or physical abuse
  • The sudden death of a loved one
  • Kidnapping
  • War
  • Natural disasters
  • Car or plane crashes
  • Assault
  • Rape
  • Childhood neglect

PTSD: Signs and Symptoms

The PTSD symptoms most common are:

  • Lost interest in activities, basically living
  • Anger outbursts or irritability
  • Nightmares and sleep problems without recognizable content
  • Aches and pains with no justified cause
  • Fear of separation from parent (most common in children)
  • Event memories that are upsetting and intrusive
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Treatment Areas

Focusing on the proper treatment areas for PTSD is important in helping people cope with the symptoms and aftereffects of PTSD. Treatment areas can include the following:

  • Feelings and thoughts that connect to the trauma are explored
  • Feelings of mistrust, guilt, anger, blame and even self-blame are worked on
  • Learning to control and cope with intrusive memories
  • Problems in life, career and relationship due to PTSD are addressed

PTSD: Types of treatment

A few types of proven treatment types for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Trauma-focused). Family Therapy, Medication, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Treatment can help you open up to feelings and thoughts which may be irrational, distorted, angry and even violent. Many people with PTSD develop substance abuse disorders and go to specialized treatment centers.

Some common treatments are:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a therapeutic method that helps you identify negative or adverse thought and behavior patterns. CBT’s goals are to help you recognize and investigate the ways your emotions and thoughts are affecting your actions.
  • Family Therapy: It will help your loved ones understand your situation. There will be a better way to communicate. Your relationship problems will be worked on.
  • Medication: Prescribed medication can help to calm any symptoms of depression or anxiety. The most commonly prescribed medications are Prozac and Zoloft.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): It includes rhythmic, left-right stimulation, i.e., eye movements, sounds, hand taps, etc. These help and freeze the brain's system to process information.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Self-Help

You can even help yourself to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will not happen overnight. Also, it will not be easy. But, it will gradually fall into place. You will find yourself less anxious and frightened. The self-help tips that you can follow are,

  • Tip 1: Seek others and groups to get the support you need
  • Tip 2: Discontinue using self-prescribed alcohol and drugs
  • Tip 3: Practice yoga, prayer and meditation
  • Tip 4: Regularly spend time in nature

PTSD: Some Positive Ways to Adapt

  • Get your family's support
  • Enjoy the peace of nature
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs
  • Spend time with positive people
  • Confide in a person you trust
  • Pursue outdoor activities
  • Practice relaxation techniques
  • Join a PTSD support group
  • Learn about trauma and PTSD

Recovery HQ Team is here to help.

If you need any help with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for you or a loved one, the Recovery HQ Team is here to assist you through this difficult time. Please contact our dedicated team and we will do all we can to help.

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