In June, PTSD Awareness month is commemorated. It ushers in a slew of awareness programs aimed towards PTSD survivors. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects persons who have been through a very stressful incident such as war, violent physical/sexual/verbal assault, accidents, and so on. Depression, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, insomnia, troubling thoughts, and other symptoms are common. After a few days, weeks, or months, many people recover from PTSD. Others, on the other hand, may need a year or more to recover. This mental disease is highly treatable, yet many people prefer to ignore it and suffer through it due to a lack of awareness and the shame associated with seeking mental treatment.
What is it like to have PTSD?
There are four primary categories of issues that a person with PTSD faces: Reliving the horrific incident in the form of unwelcome and repeated recollections, flashbacks, or frightening nightmares. When a person is reminded of an event, they may have extreme emotional or bodily reactions such as perspiration, heart palpitations, anxiety, or panic.
Do you suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
If you answer yes to three or more of the following questions, you may have PTSD, and seeing a trained mental health professional is recommended.
- Have you ever witnessed or been a part of a tragic, life-threatening situation?
- Did you feel terrified, appalled, or helpless because of this experience?
- Do you find it difficult to forget about the incident?
- Are you more easily startled, impatient, or angry than you were before the event?
- Do you try to avoid activities, persons, or thoughts that bring up memories of the incident?
- Do you find it more difficult to fall asleep or concentrate now than before the event?
- Have you been experiencing symptoms for more than a month?
- Is it difficult for you to work or function regularly because of your distress?
Coping with PTSD in a positive way:
- Learn about trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Become a member of a PTSD support group.
- Relaxation techniques should be practiced.
- Take part in outdoor activities.
- Have faith in someone you can rely on.
- Spend time with folks who are upbeat.
- Alcohol and narcotics should be avoided.
- Enjoy the tranquility of nature.
References:
https://ptsd.va.gov/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
https://www.mentalhelp.net/ptsd/hotline/
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/resources