What is PTSD?
Experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event usually induces Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition.
Most people who go through these events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping. Still, they usually get better with time and good self-care. People with PTSD include war veterans, children, and people who have been through physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or other severe or violent events. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age.
Statistics from the National Center for PTSD claim that 7-8/100 people will likely experience PTSD.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe generalized anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. If the symptoms worsen, they may last for months or even years and interfere with your day-to-day functioning; you may have PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start shortly after a traumatic event or become apparent weeks or months after the event. Typically, PTSD symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and relationships. They may interfere with your ability to go about your typical daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms vary. They could consist of the following:
Trauma reminders
Avoidance
Adverse changes in thinking and mood
Changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Remember that not everyone may have any or all of the symptoms. Typically symptoms might vary over time or vary from person to person.
Intensity of symptoms
PTSD symptoms may increase or decrease in intensity over time. One may have more PTSD symptoms when stressed or encountering reminders of the event. A combat veteran may hear a car backfire and get transported back into combat. A sexual assault victim may see a report on the news about a sexual assault and may remember or even re-experience their assault.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you continue to have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event.
Suicidal thoughts
If you have suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately:
Call a trusted adult.
Talk to your peer support group leader.
Talk to your spiritual faith leader.
Dial 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Veterans can call the same number and press 1 to get the Veterans Crisis Line.
Make an appointment with your doctor or another mental health professional.
In case of emergency
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If someone is in danger of attempting suicide, stay with that person to keep them safe, and call 911.
