Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop following a traumatic or stressful event. PTSD is a psychological reaction which can occur following an event where you were at risk of being injured or killed, or you saw or heard of this happening to someone else. Traumatic events may include an attack, car crash, or natural disaster. Although PTSD is more common among refugees and those who have served in the military or been in a war, anyone can experience PTSD.
Someone with PTSD may experience intrusive memories or “flashbacks” related to the event. They may feel on edge, detached, or have low mood, and may avoid situations that remind them of the traumatic event.
It is important to seek help for PTSD as it can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. PTSD can be frightening and overwhelming but there are effective treatments available and with early intervention outcomes are good.
- Recurrent distressing memories and thoughts related to a traumatic event/ trauma.
- Experiencing brief vivid memories, or flashbacks, and physical symptoms associated with the trauma.
- Emotional distress and physical reactions to reminders of the trauma.
- Nightmares
- Avoiding events, situations, people, and/or places that remind you of the trauma.
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.
- Unable to remember parts of the traumatic event.
- Negative thoughts and low mood following the trauma.
- Feeling fear or stress for no apparent reason.
- Distorted feelings of guilt related to the trauma.
- Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma.
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
- Feeling emotionally numb.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling isolated.
- Irritability
- Becoming easily upset or angry at self and/or others.
- Destructive or risky behaviour.
- Feeling 'on edge' or jumpy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Using drugs or alcohol to avoid memories.
There are several treatment options for PTSD. Medications, psychological therapy, or a combination of these is most common. Treatment will depend on the type of trauma, symptoms, and other individual factors. If there are other problems alongside PTSD, such as substance abuse or depression, these also need to be addressed.
Psychological Therapy:
Psychological therapy (or talk therapy) is the main treatment for PTSD. Psychological therapy may include learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings related to the trauma, identifying triggers, learning how to manage symptoms, and learning relaxation techniques. Common psychological approaches include cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used in the treatment of PTSD and may include elements of exposure therapy.
Another psychological approach is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). This combines guided eye movements and exposure therapy.
Group therapy may also be helpful for some, especially if members of the group have experienced a similar trauma.
Medication:
Antidepressants are the most common medication used in the treatment of PTSD. These can help with the anxiety and depressive symptoms that can accompany PTSD. Other medications, such as sedative medications or sleep medications, may also be prescribed.
Other Ways to Manage PTSD:
Engaging in relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and regular exercise are other effective ways to manage anxiety and distress. Support from friends and family is also very important in recovery from PTSD.
In this 20 minute short film, Dr. Hannah Stratford provides a detailed overview of PTSD and trauma. She describes how traumatic events can impact people differently, why some people will develop PTSD while others will not, and who is most at risk of developing the condition. She also explains the main symptoms, treatments, how traumatic memories can be triggered, and provides some coping strategies. Through an analogy she describes what happens in the brain following a trauma and how this can lead to the development of PTSD.
This TED-Ed video provides an overview of PTSD. It gives an explanation of what happens in the brain and body when we experience a traumatic event and how this can lead to the development of PTSD. It also explains the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatments, and the effect which PTSD can have on a person's life.
In this video Lisa shares her experience with PTSD. Lisa was diagnosed with PTSD two years after being on a bus which was bombed. She shares the symptoms she experienced following the event and how she came to learn that this was PTSD. She also discusses the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy she received.
“The PTSD Workbook” written by trauma experts Soili Poijula and Mary Beth Williams is a guide to overcoming PTSD. It provides cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based techniques and interventions to help you heal from trauma and manage symptoms of PTSD.
The ‘Life After PTSD Podcast’ shares stories of those who have lived with PTSD. They discuss their experience, what helped them recover, the types of therapy they received, and their life after PTSD.
Trauma! A PTSD Blog provides many different personal stories from individuals that suffer from PTSD. Here you will find plenty of advice on how to cope with Posttraumatic stress disorder and how the authors of the blog manage their symptoms and triggers.