A Deep Dive into PTSD: A Comprehensive Look at the Condition
May 31, 2023
5 min read
When life throws an unexpected and unsettling curveball, it can take its toll on our mental health. For those who have suffered a traumatic event or series of events in the past, living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is just one of the many challenges they may face.
PTSD: An Overview
After experiencing a traumatic event, one may be left with more than just mental scars. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety condition that can manifest in individuals who have survived such unfortunate events—from physical or sexual abuse to military combat and natural disasters.
It causes intense fear, strong avoidance behaviors of anything associated with the trauma they endured, and immense distress that can last for months or even years without proper treatment.
With PTSD, it's common to feel fearful or overwhelmed when reminded of the trauma and to develop irrational thinking or behavior related to the experience. People with PTSD may struggle with negative thoughts and moods, physical health worries, and issues with concentration. They might also experience difficulty controlling their emotions, feeling numb or disconnected from the world around them.
PTSD: Possible Risk Factors
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While the causes of PTSD can vary from person to person, some common causes can include the following:
Combat or military-related trauma
Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events during military service can commonly cause PTSD in veterans. This can include combat exposure, military sexual trauma, or exposure to other traumatic events during service.
Victim of a crime
People who are victims of crimes such as assault, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism may develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
Physical or sexual assault
Survivors of physical or sexual assault can be at risk for developing PTSD. This can include childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault.
Natural disasters
Survivors of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires, can be at risk for developing PTSD.
Accidents
Individuals who have been involved in or witnessed accidents, such as car accidents, plane crashes, or workplace accidents, can be at risk for developing PTSD.
Medical trauma
Individuals who have experienced or witnessed medical trauma, such as life-threatening illnesses, invasive medical procedures, or medical emergencies, can be at risk for developing PTSD.
Traumatic loss
Losing a loved one to violence or sudden death can be a traumatic event that can lead to PTSD.
Childhood trauma
Traumatic events that occur in childhood, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence or natural disasters, can lead to the development of PTSD in adulthood.
Although trauma can affect everyone differently, those who have experienced a traumatic event may be more vulnerable to developing PTSD. Genetics, social support systems, and one's ability to cope with stress can also influence the likelihood of experiencing post-traumatic symptoms after an intimidating incident.
PTSD: Identify Common Triggers
PTSD can affect different people in different ways, depending on the traumatic event that they experienced or witnessed. Common triggers for PTSD may include:
- Loud or sudden noises, such as fireworks, gunshots, or car backfires
- Seeing or hearing about events or situations that are similar to the traumatic event
- Smells or tastes that are linked to the traumatic experience, such as the smell of smoke or the taste of blood
- Certain places or situations that are associated with the traumatic event, such as being in a crowded or confined space
- Certain people, such as the perpetrator of the traumatic event or someone who reminds the individual of the event
- Intense emotions, such as fear, anger, or sadness that remind the individual of the traumatic experience
- Physical sensations, such as pain that are associated with the traumatic event
- Anniversary dates of the traumatic event or other significant dates
- Certain activities or hobbies that were associated with the traumatic event, such as driving or going to the movies
- Stressful life events, such as financial or relationship problems, can trigger PTSD symptoms.
People living with PTSD can experience varying degrees of symptoms in response to triggers—from a single sight or sound to a combination. These stimuli may even change over time and get harder for someone affected by the disorder to manage on their own.
PTSD: Signs and Symptoms That You Should Know
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional and psychological condition triggered by a traumatic event. People with PTSD may experience strong feelings of depression, fear, or panic.
The most common signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks about the event
- Avoidance of people, places, activities, and situations associated with the trauma
- Negative changes in thinking patterns or beliefs about one's self or others
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
- Outbursts of anger or irritability
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts at self-harm
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Numbing of emotions
If you believe that someone you know has PTSD, it is important to get them professional help right away. Talk therapy and medication are both effective treatments for PTSD that can help the individual find relief from the symptoms they are experiencing so they can start to heal and move forward with their life again.
PTSD: Diagnosis and Treatments Options
Seeking treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) begins with a candid conversation about your unique symptoms and history of trauma. Through an evaluation based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a mental health provider can determine if you meet the criteria to receive an official diagnosis, along with personalized care recommendations tailored specifically to you.
There are many treatments available for people living with PTSD, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy (ET), psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication (such as antidepressants), and holistic approaches like yoga and mindfulness meditation.
The most effective treatment plans are tailored to each individual's needs and involve a combination of different approaches.
Finding Hope After Trauma
Living with any mental health issue can be difficult, but seeking help is always worth it—and if you think you might be living with PTSD, then getting help should definitely be your first step toward recovery.
Whether you have experienced multiple traumas yourself or know someone else who has gone through something difficult, having an understanding of this condition can help you recognize the signs sooner so that you can get appropriate treatment faster.
With early intervention, we can make sure those affected by trauma get the support they need in order to heal from their experiences and lead healthier lives going forward.
