What Does PTSD Mean? Everything You Need to Know About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is one of the major mental health challenges in the world although it is not as well-known compared to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

According the WHO, 3.9% of the world population i.e., over 300 million people in the world will experience PTSD at one point in their lives. The numbers may even be higher since people who have PTSD especially in developing countries are usually undiagnosed.

PTSD is a major mental health challenge that can affect anyone. This is why you must know what it means, its symptoms and how you can get treatment. This blog post will help you answer these questions.

What does PTSD mean?

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that occurs after a person experiences a traumatic event or situation like sexual assault, loss of loved one, war, domestic violence, etc.

PTSD can cause you to feel or react in a certain way even after the traumatic event or situation has ended.

For example, if you experienced or even witnessed domestic violence at a point in your life, you may become traumatized and suffer from PTSD. You may start having flashbacks about the event which can make you sad and angry. It can also make you react in unusual ways when discussions of domestic violence are brought up e.g., feeling scared when someone raises their hands near you.

You may even experience panic attacks if you hear, feel or do something that reminds you of the violence you experienced or witnessed.

Another example is when you see someone get shot or murdered. You may develop PTSD and start experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear and even have panic attacks whenever you hear loud noises.

In the past, it was believed that PTSD only affected war veterans or people who had fought in wars or witnessed one. However, we now know that anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic situation or event.

Note: Not everyone who experiences a traumatic situation will have PTSD.

3 Facts about PTSD you should know:

  • PTSD affects 3.9% of the world which means 1 in 26 people will experience PTSD at a point in their lives- WHO.
  • It can happen to anyone even children.
  • 8 Out of 10 Nigerians have Suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder- Dataphyte.

10 Signs You have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The signs that you may have PTSD varies but some of the major ones are:

  1. Intense nightmares and flashbacks of the traumatic event or experience.
  2. Feeling the need to escape, hide or run from places, situations and events related or similar to the traumatic event.
  3. Feelings of anger when the event or experience is brought up or something similar to it.
  4. Intense fear and anxiety.
  5. Excessive suspicion and caution of certain people and situations.
  6. Feeling emotionally indifferent or numb.
  7. Insomnia.
  8. Panic attacks.
  9. Physical reactions like headaches, chest pains, stomach pain, sweating, etc.
  10. Inability to speak (for intense PTSD).

Note: These signs are not general and depends on each person. Also, you may not experience PTSD symptoms after a traumatic event. It is also possible that you may not experience immediate symptoms until years later after the situation has occurred.

What Events and Situations Causes PTSD?

Examples of situations and circumstances that you may experience or witness that can lead to PTSD are:

  1. Sexual Assault and violence.
  2. Domestic violence and bullying.
  3. Car accidents.
  4. War and military service.
  6. Fire attacks.
  7. Childhood abuse.
  8. Sudden death of a loved one.
  9. Natural disasters.

Effects of PTSD

Some major effects of PTSD are:

  1. Substance Use Disorder and Addiction: This is the major effect of PTSD. It can force you to resort to taking drugs and alcohol to numb and forget the painful memories.
  2. Anxiety and Depression: If you have PTSD, you may feel anxious and constantly worry all the time. You may also get depressed and feel hopeless or sad.
  3. Memory Problems: People with PTSD tend to forget certain things especially if it is related to the traumatic experience. Also, they may sometimes find it hard to concentrate which can affect their professional or personal life.
  4. Risk of Suicide and Other Dangerous Activities: PTSD can cause you to have suicidal thoughts and even try to attempt it. It can also make you have dangerous thoughts towards people and places related to the traumatic event/ experience.

How can PTSD be Treated

Here are some ways PTSD can be treated:

  1. Professional Therapy: Through therapy methods like Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), etc., you can recover gradually.

A therapist will help you unpack and process the traumatic event that made you develop PTSD. They will also talk you through it and even guide you on how to cope whenever your PTSD is triggered.

Book a therapy session with us here.

  1. Support Groups/Communities: There are online and offline support groups that you can join for your specific condition. In this groups, you will receive empathetic support and guidance which may help you to cope and recover from PTSD.
  2. Medication: This is very helpful especially for people who experience intense symptoms of PTSD like reckless behavior, self-sabotaging habits, suicidal attempts, etc. Examples of medications you may be given for PTSD include Anti-anxiety medications, Serotonin, etc.
  3. Self-Care: Practicing Self-Care is very important if you want to manage and reduce your PTSD symptoms. Try to regularly exercise daily. Ensure you get quality sleep regularly. Eat a healthy and balanced meal.

Also try to participate in activities that will help you relax like meditation, yoga, etc.

What to do when your PTSD is triggered?

You may experience signs of PTSD anytime and it could be very intense. Certain sounds, situations, etc., can trigger your PTSD and make you react in unusual ways like having panic attacks, sweating, getting angry, violence, etc.

Therefore, when this occurs, it is important that you try to relax and stay calm. For example, you can try breathing exercises like deep breathing. You can also try to meditate. Journaling is also a good way you can try to process your feelings and take control. For more information on what to do when your PTS is triggered, see a therapist.

How long does PTSD last?

There is no specific time that PTSD can last for. It might last as long as a month after the experience. It can also last for years.

  Does PTSD ever go away?

This depends on the individual and the kind of traumatic event they experienced. The kind of treatment they undergo also matters. Also, some people stop experiencing symptoms of PTSD, weeks after the traumatic experience has occurred while others may only start showing signs of PTSD many years after the traumatic event has passed.

Conclusion

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone if they have gone through any traumatic event and circumstances. Its effects can be very destructive and it must not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is showing signs of PTSD, it is important to seek help immediately.

Book a therapy session with us today and receive timely and empathetic support from our qualified therapists at budget-friendly costs.

by Sarah Agagu

New Year, New You: 6 New Year’s Resolutions to help you Prioritize and Take Care of Your Mental Health in 2025

At the beginning of this new year, you made several new year resolutions either regarding your weight, your career, your education, etc.

However, there is one aspect you might have ignored while making your new year resolutions and that is your mental health.

Prioritizing or taking care of your mental health is very important. Stress is part of your daily life. You are bound to experience challenges and situations that may make you anxious, stressed and depressed, etc.

This is why it is very important that you make new year resolutions that would benefit your mental health in 2025.  In this blog post, I will briefly mention some new year resolutions that would be good for your mental health and how you can achieve them.

Why Your Mental Health Matters?

Having a good mental health is very important. It impacts your life, your health and even people around you.

If you have a poor mental health, you are at the risk of burnout, depression, and breakdown. It can affect your relationships. It can make you behave in destructive ways. It can also make you take up wrong coping habits like alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.

But when you constantly take care of your mental health, you will be happier and less stressed. You will also be more productive, develop healthier relationships and make better decisions.

Furthermore, life is full of ups and downs. You will find yourself in situations that can affect you mentally whether you like it or not. Situations like loss of loved ones, failures, breakups, job loss, poverty, etc., can affect your mental health.

This is why you must constantly take steps to support and protect your mental health.

6 Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions for 2025

  1. Attend regular therapy sessions: Regular therapy is a really good mental health new year resolution. It doesn't just benefit you but people around you. Through therapy, you get to share your feelings, receive feedback, learn healthy coping mechanisms, learn how to handle stress, etc.

Its benefits are numerous and that is why you should make it a part of your new year resolutions. Commit to attending regular therapy sessions even if it is once a month.

Book a therapy session with us here.

  1. Practice mindfulness or meditation daily: Mindfulness and meditation are one of the best practices you can do for your mental health. It will help you manage stress, find inner peace, and be able to cope with life challenges.

Examples of easy meditation and mindfulness practices are deep breathing, yoga, etc. You can also attend meditation classes either online and offline.

Learn more about the benefits of meditation here.

  1. Practice regular journaling: Journaling is an easy way to express your feelings and clear your mind. According to Verywell Health, journaling helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

So, make sure to add regular journaling to your new year resolutions. It will do wonders for your mental health and overall wellness.

  1. Limit screen time and set healthy social media boundaries: One mental health practice to add to your new year resolutions is reducing the amount of time you spend on your phone especially social media.

Unlimited social media use can affect your mental health and affect your self-esteem. It can also make you depressed and anxious.

  1. Develop a healthy work-life balance: One new year resolution you should add to your list is balancing your work and your personal life. In this year, you should try to set healthy boundaries between your work and your personal life.

Take time for yourself. Have a life outside work. Spend adequate time with your family. Take up new hobbies and interests. This will help you manage stress and avoid burnout.

  1. Practice gratitude: In this new year, be grateful. Instead of constantly worrying about what you don't have, focus on what you do have and be thankful for it.

ALSO READ: Social Media Pressure: How to Use Social Media Wisely and Avoid Digital Burnout

Practical Steps to Achieve Your New Year Resolutions for 2025

According to statistics, only 8% of people actually achieve their new year resolutions. This means that only 1 in about 12 people will actually achieve their new year resolutions in 2025.

In fact, a lot of people give up before the third month. This is why you must take specific steps that will help you achieve your new year resolutions and stay consistent.

Some of the ways to achieve your new year resolutions in 2025 are:

 

  1. Stay consistent: You need to be consistent if you really want to achieve your new year goals. For example, if one of your new year resolutions is to journal regularly, then you need to try to do it regularly, even when it's inconvenient.

Here are 3 ways to stay consistent:

  • Try breaking down your new year resolutions into smaller steps that you can easily achieve.
  • Create a routine that you can stick to. For example, if you decide that you want to journal every night before you go to bed, then you need stick to it till it becomes part of your routine.
  • Be ready to get back up. Even when you fail to meet your goals, try again the next day.

 

  1. Start small and set realistic resolutions: To help you achieve your new year resolutions this year, you need to ensure that they are realistic. Don't make new year resolutions that might not be possible to achieve.

You should also start small. Instead of having a long list of new year resolutions, pick out a few that are important and stick to them. It will be more easy to achieve and you will feel less pressured.

  1. Use reminders or apps to track your progress: It is always good to know exactly how your new year resolutions are going so you can make changes. It will also motivate you to keep going.
  2. Celebrate small victories: Achieving your new year resolutions will not be easy so you need to learn to appreciate the little wins.

For example, if one of your new year resolutions was regular journaling and you were only able to journal once a week. That is a win and you should be grateful for it instead of feeling discouraged.

  1. Partner with a friend for accountability: Get a partner/friend that can motivate you and help you stay accountable. This is a very good way to stay consistent especially if you share similar goals.

Conclusion

Supporting and taking care of your mental health is your responsibility and you should never sleep on it. By including some of the mental health goals listed above in your new year resolutions for 2025, you will be able to take care of your mental and overall health.

At Mycarebuddy, we are passionate about helping you in prioritizing your mental health. This is why we provide therapy services where you can speak to our qualified therapists at budget-friendly costs.

Book your first therapy session with us here now.

by Sarah Agagu