Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects many people. It’s a psychological response to an event or ongoing period that has caused a high amount of stress to a person. While there are many things that could trigger PTSD, some well-known examples include those who have served in war zones, people who have witnessed an accident or natural disaster, as well as those who have suffered an accident or an act of violence.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to seek treatment for trauma and PTSD to help manage symptoms and move forward.
Examples of events leading to PTSD
Traumatic events have a wide-ranging definition. The American Psychological Association defines trauma as ‘an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster’. Traumatic events can include accidents, serious injuries, witnessing death, natural disasters, terrorism, war, domestic abuse and more. While incidents can be singular (known as ‘acute’ trauma), they can also be repeated (‘chronic’ trauma) or a combination of several events (complex trauma).
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will go on to develop PTSD, but sufferers could develop symptoms at any time.
Symptoms of trauma and PTSD
Understanding how different people react to trauma and PTSD can help you identify when you or someone you know needs help. Some of the common responses to trauma include:
- Shock
- Denial
- Anger
- Fear
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Depression
But over time, further symptoms that can develop as a result of trauma include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Fear of an event repeating itself
- Withdrawal
- Changes to behavior
- Mood swings, including sudden and dramatic changes
- Physical symptoms such as headaches and pain
PTSD can occur after a traumatic event, and can have a lasting impact on the body’s reaction to stressful events. Nobody knows exactly why some people experience PTSD and others don’t, but an individual’s personality and background could have an impact.
Coping with trauma and PTSD
If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma and PTSD, it’s important to seek help and find ways to manage what you’re feeling. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and there are a lot of other people experiencing the same things that you’re feeling.
Some of the things that can help you manage your symptoms include:
- Develop a routine that helps to prevent you becoming withdrawn, as well as helping you find a balance.
- Spending time with others, and not being afraid to talk to them about your feelings.
- Find hobbies and interests that can help keep you distracted and occupied.
- Practice self-care, making sure you eat well and exercise regularly.
- Seek help from a support group or a professional.
Treatments available to help sufferers of trauma and PTSD
There are some effective treatments available to help sufferers of trauma and PTSD. For example, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and somatic therapies. There are also medications that can help.
At Oasis Recovery, we provide a number of these treatments to help sufferers of trauma and PTSD get the help they need. Find out more about our psychotherapy treatments and take the first steps towards healing.
