What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma occurs when we perceive that we are in danger, our life is at risk, or we witness others being seriously injured or killed. Some common traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include:
- Serious road accidents
- Military combat
- Violent personal assaults (such as sexual assault, physical attack, abuse, robbery, or mugging)
- Being taken hostage
- Terrorist attacks
- Being a prisoner of war
- Natural or man-made disasters
- Receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis
- Hearing about the unexpected injury or violent death of a loved one
When Do PTSD Symptoms Start?
PTSD symptoms may appear weeks or even months after a traumatic event, but they typically develop within six months of the experience.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Many people who experience trauma feel grief, anxiety, guilt, and anger. However, PTSD causes specific symptoms that fall into three main categories:
1. Flashbacks and Nightmares
PTSD can cause individuals to relive the traumatic event repeatedly. This may happen in the form of flashbacks during the day or nightmares while sleeping. These experiences can feel incredibly real, triggering emotions and physical sensations like:
- Fear and panic
- Sweating
- Sounds and smells related to the trauma
- Physical pain
Triggers in everyday life can bring back traumatic memories. For example, if someone experienced a car accident on a rainy day, seeing rain may provoke a flashback.
2. Avoidance and Emotional Numbing
To cope with distressing memories, many people try to avoid reminders of their trauma. This may involve:
- Avoiding places, people, or conversations that remind them of the event
- Distracting themselves with work, hobbies, or puzzles
- Becoming emotionally numb to prevent feeling pain
- Withdrawing from friends and family, making it difficult to communicate and connect with others
3. Hypervigilance and Being “On Guard”
Many people with PTSD feel constantly on edge, as if they are always scanning for danger. This state of hypervigilance can cause:
- Difficulty relaxing
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Being easily startled
Additional PTSD Symptoms
PTSD often comes with other stress-related symptoms, such as:
- Muscle pain and tension
- Digestive issues (e.g., diarrhea)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Frequent headaches
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Increased alcohol or drug use
What Increases the Risk of PTSD?
Certain types of trauma are more likely to cause PTSD, especially those that:
- Are sudden and unexpected
- Last for a long time
- Leave the person feeling trapped
- Are man-made (e.g., violence, war, assault)
- Involve multiple deaths or severe injuries
- Involve children
Do I Have PTSD? Self-Assessment Checklist
If you have experienced a traumatic event, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have vivid flashbacks or nightmares?
- Do I avoid situations that remind me of the event?
- Do I feel emotionally numb at times?
- Am I constantly on edge or irritable for no clear reason?
- Have my eating, drinking, or substance use habits changed?
- Do I feel like I have lost control over my emotions?
- Is it harder to connect with others than before?
- Do I keep myself extremely busy to cope?
- Do I feel persistently depressed or exhausted?
If it has been less than six weeks since the traumatic event and your symptoms are gradually improving, you may be going through a normal adjustment period. However, if it has been more than six weeks and your symptoms are not improving, seeking professional help may be beneficial.
How to Get PTSD Treatment
If you suspect you have PTSD, speaking with a doctor is the first step. They may refer you for therapy through the NHS, though waiting lists can be long.
If you’d like to start working on your PTSD now, you can call us—Sarah or Jane—at 0114 383 0004 for immediate support.