Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a response to a shocking event that may have taken place in a person’s life.
The event might be too traumatic and scary for the person.
As a result, the disorder develops. As a result of a traumatic situation, people can get scared or fearful. However, it is natural to feel that way.
Almost everyone experiences fear or shock for some time. However, in some people, it may persist for too long, and they may be diagnosed with PTSD as a result.
It can be one of two things: either the person might have experienced the trauma or witnessed it.
There are various symptoms of the disorder, including getting flashbacks from the event, getting extremely anxious, nightmares, etc.
Thinking a lot about the event is also one of the prominent symptoms among people who have PTSD.
In Oklahoma, there are many healthcare facilities, counseling centers, and mental health services.
You can also get therapy at Oklahoma City individual counseling. They can help in improving the symptoms and lessen the severity of the disorder.
What are the symptoms that can indicate the disorder?
Usually, the symptoms start to appear within the first month after the event takes place. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case with everyone.
In some people, the symptoms may appear after a few years. The symptoms can create problems in the work life of the individual or create problems in relationships.
You may even find it hard to carry out your daily work tasks. The symptoms can be put into different categories.
There are four types, namely, getting intrusive memories, negative thinking, avoidance can be there too, and changes in physical reactions. Let us discuss each one of them individually:
Symptoms of Intrusive memories from the event:
- Living the same memories again and again.
- Dreams about the event and nightmares about the same.
- Feel like the same event is happening again.
- There might also be physical reactions when you see something similar to the event.
Symptoms of Negative thinking:
- You may start to think negatively about others and yourself.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Not being able to have close relationships.
- Not enjoying the activities that you used to.
- Not feeling anything emotionally.
- Experiencing detachment from the loved ones.
- Not being able to recall the critical incidents from the traumatic event.
- No positive emotions or thinking about the things around.
Some of the symptoms of avoidance are:
- Trying not to talk about the event, avoiding it.
- Not indulging in anything that can remind them of the incident.
Symptoms of changes in the physical reactions:
- Getting scared or frightened easily.
- Staying alert at all times to avoid danger.
- Not being able to sleep on time.
- Showing aggression or having outbursts.
- You may find it hard to concentrate on essential things or anything in general.
- Indulging in self-harming behaviors.
- Having guilt or blaming oneself for the event.
If it is a child with PTSD, typically under the age of six, they may try to enact the traumatic event when they play.
Another thing is they can also get scary dreams which do not necessarily have to include the event.
The dream can be a frightening one without including the event as well.
If you notice such symptoms in your child, help them by taking them to a professional.
When should you consider seeking help?
If you see someone or yourself experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms for more than a month, you should reach out for help.
If the thoughts from the incident are not leaving your mind and the symptoms are severely affecting your daily life, get help.
The sooner you will seek treatment, the better for you. It is because the symptoms after exceeding a month can get worse and can create further complications.