Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event. These events can include, but are not limited to, combat exposure, sexual or physical assault, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing a death.
If you think that you or someone else might have PTSD then do take this assessment. Don’t worry, your information will not be shared with anyone.
What Are The Main Symptoms Of PTSD?
PTSD can be a haunting mental condition to deal with. Here are the main symptoms that you need to be concerned about.
1. Intrusive Memories
This can include recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks where you feel like you’re reliving the event, nightmares, or intense distress or physical reactions to reminders of the event. War veterans often have intrusive memories which leads them to have PTSD.
2. Avoidance
This involves avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event, avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event, or a sense of emotional numbness. If you have PTSD then chances are that you would be avoiding a lot of public gatherings.
3. Negative Thoughts Or Drastic Changes In Mood
This can include negative thoughts about yourself or others, inability to experience positive emotions, feeling emotionally numb, detachment from others, or lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
4. Changes In Physical and Emotional Reactions
This can include being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior (such as drinking too much or driving recklessly), trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.
How To Cope With PTSD?
People who have PTSD tend to have a different and difficult life but it doesn’t need to be that way.
1. Start By Seeking Professional Help
A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help you develop coping strategies and provide support.
2. Educate Yourself
You can only better yourself if you know yourself truly. Learn more about PTSD to understand your symptoms and treatment options.
3. Stay Connected
Maintain supportive relationships with friends and family. Talking to others who have experienced trauma can also be helpful.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Try To Stay Active
Physical activity can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of PTSD. Find activities you enjoy and try to incorporate them into your routine.
6. Limit Alcohol and Drug Use
We would suggest that you put a limit on alcohol and drug use. Substance use can worsen PTSD symptoms. It’s important to avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope with your feelings.
7. Avoid Triggers
Now this one is tricky, but there is no harm in trying. Try to avoid situations or things that trigger your PTSD symptoms, if possible.
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there has really only been one time and it was many years ago, but to this day im terrified to be in the car with that person and they live with me. i know if i get into the car with that person something bad usually happens