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.