After any traumatic event, it is normal to experience upsetting memories, trouble sleeping or doing daily activities. These feelings take time to go away when we have experienced a traumatic situation. After few weeks the person starts to feel better and get back to normal routine. But, if this feeling stays over for more than few months, then it is possible that you are experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a stress disorder, where the person keeps on getting flashbacks of the traumatic event. These events/memories, start evoking anxiety within them. The memories of the event become very stressful for them and they become unable to resume their daily work.
Thus, below are the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:
Flashbacks:
Someone suffering from PTSD will start to relive the moment over and over again in their mind. The memories will be represented as nightmares or constant thoughts. Thus, it will give the feeling that you are stuck at the moment.
Avoiding:
You will start avoiding moments or situations which remind you of the event. Also, you will start to ignore the person who is related to the moment. Thus, avoiding the situation completely; even talking about it.
Negative Feelings:
You will start to experience negative thoughts. These thoughts can be about guilt or shame. Also, your perspective on the world will start changing and you will find it difficult to trust yourself and others around you. Thus, being happy about situations will start becoming more difficult.
Always on Alert:
You will start assessing situations very deeply and will always be on the lookout for danger. Hence, this can start hampering your sleep and concentration. Thus, making you feel vulnerable and irritable most of the time.
Also, Along with PTSD, there can be additional mental health problems.
Below is a list of other problems associated with PTSD:
- Depression or Anxiety
- Drinking or any other addiction
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Feeling of guilt, shame, hopelessness and despair.
- Physical symptoms like pain in head, stomach etc.
- Relationship Problems
- Employment Problems
PTSD can happen to anyone. Usually, these symptoms start coming up right after the event. But, sometimes it can also appear after months or years after the event. They may come and go but will keep on hampering your life.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is an illness which needs to be treated. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD then please visit a mental health professional immediately.
