Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ~ PTSD

PTSD is a condition triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Diagnosis of PTSD is based on at least 1 month of each of the following:  at least one re-experiencing symptom, one avoidance symptom, two arousal and reactivity symptoms, and two cognition and mood symptoms.

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Re-experiencing symptoms :

  • Flashbacks

  • Bad dreams
  • Frightening thoughts

Avoidance symptoms :

  • Staying away from places or events that reminder you the traumatic event
  • Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

Arousal  symptoms :

  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling tense or “on edge”
  • Having difficulty sleeping
  • Having angry outbursts

Cognition/mood symptoms:

  • Trouble remembering key features of the event
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
  • Distorted feelings like guilt or blame