Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is PTSD?
People have different reactions to traumatic events. These can be an act of violence, a natural disaster, and many other things. These reactions can be anger, sadness, worry, etc. You can also think about what happened, or have trouble concentrating and sleeping. PTSD is diagnosed when these symptoms keep appearing after an extended period of time, and interfere with daily occurrences.
People keep feeling frightened, scared, or stressed, even though they aren’t in danger anymore.
What are Symptoms of PTSD?
Intrusive memories:
Unwanted memories of the event that come back over and over again, causing you distress.
Flashbacks, reliving the moment as if you were there again.
Dreams or nightmares about the event.
Severe emotional or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.
Avoidance:
Staying away from people, places, and things that remind you of the event.
Avoiding talking about the event.
Negative thoughts and mood:
Thinking badly about yourself, the world, or other people
Constant fear, anger, worry, etc.
Memory problems, like forgetting important details about the event.
Feeling detached from loved ones.
Feeling numb
Changes in Emotional and Physical Reactions
Being easily startled or frightened
Always having your guard up in case of danger
Self-destructive behavior
Trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Irritability or angry outbursts
Sweating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, shaking, etc
How do Children and Teens React to Trauma?
Wetting the bed after learning to use the toilet
Forgetting or being unable to talk
Acting out the trauma during playtime
Being unusually clingy to a parent or adult