According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can happen when someone personally experiences or witnesses a scary event. PTSD can also occur if someone finds out that a friend or family member has experienced a traumatic event. This can include being in the military or first responders, weather (tornado or bad storms), an accident, being a victim of a crime, domestic violence (victim or witness), bullying, or repeatedly watching scary news reports. 

It is normal to feel afraid or confused during an abnormal situation. Many people recover from symptoms on their own, but some continue to experience symptoms or feel worse over time. 

Who gets PTSD?

Anyone can develop PTSD, and it can occur at any age. People who have experienced or witnessed physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, weather, or other serious event can get PTSD. People may experience symptoms such as panic, stress, and fear even when the danger has passed. 

Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) alone

What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?

Many people react to scary situations with nightmares, thoughts that won’t go away, strong emotional reactions, or mood swings. This does not necessarily indicate PTSD but needs monitoring in case symptoms persist or worsen. It is important to take care of yourself after a traumatic event. To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than one month. Symptoms must interfere with essential life functions such as relationships, work, and taking care of day-to-day tasks. Some people recover in as little as six months, while others have symptoms that last one year or more. People with PTSD may also have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Symptoms can be triggered by sounds, smells, objects, and other reminders of the event. You may have some or all the symptoms listed below.

Specific symptoms can include:

  • Flashbacks – continue to relive the event, which may include strong physical responses
  • Nightmares 
  • Intrusive thoughts that seem to be out of control
  • Physical signs of stress – headaches, gastrointestinal issues, muscle pain
  • Panic attacks

Some people try to avoid the discomfort by:

  • Staying away from anything that reminds them of the places, events, or objects of the traumatic experience
  • Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma
  • Changing routines, such as avoiding driving or riding in a car after an accident

Physical reactions include: 

  • Being easily startled or jumpy
  • Being on edge and tense
  • Showing more anger than is typical
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep problems – can’t fall asleep or stay asleep
  • Behaving in more risky behaviors

Thoughts and mood changes or difficulties

  • Problems with remembering what happened
  • Having negative thoughts about self
  • Self-blame
  • Loss of interest in activities enjoyed in the past
  • Feeling socially isolated
  • Constant emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
  • Feelings of unhappiness 

Sometimes the PTSD symptoms make positive relationships difficult as the person does not believe they are being understood. Support from friends and family can be rejected, and the person may feel alone or detached from friends and family. 

What about Children?

Children and teens can have similar reactions to trauma as adults. In children younger than age six, these symptoms can include:

  • Bed-wetting after having learned to use the toilet
  • Talking like they are younger or not talking at all
  • Acting out the scary event during playtime
  • Clinging to a caregiver more than before the traumatic event
  • Regressing in other ways to a time when the child was younger

Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Children

Are there risk and protective factors for PTSD?

Some risk factors could increase the likelihood of developing PTSD:

  • Experiencing a previous traumatic event, particularly during childhood
  • Getting hurt or seeing people hurt or killed
  • Feeling scared or helpless in the past
  • Having little or no social support after the event
  • Dealing with extra stress after the event, such as the loss of a loved one, pain, an injury, or loss of a job or home
  • Having a personal or family history of mental illness or substance use

Some factors, called resiliency, may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD include:

  • Positive support from friends, family, or support groups
  • Dealing with automatic negative thoughts
  • Learning how to accept and not judge themselves for the event or response to the event
  • Using coping strategies 
  • Having a plan to respond to upsetting events as they occur, despite feeling fear

Treatment for PTSD

Make sure you receive a diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional to determine if you have PTSD. It is also important to ask your provider if they have experience treating individuals with PTSD. Additional support available for those with PTSD include:

  • Getting support from family, friends, or your faith community
  • Engaging in a healthy lifestyle
    • Limit alcohol consumption
    • Eat a healthy diet
    • Don’t skip meals
    • Drink water
    • Exercise – walking is a good stress reliever
  • Talking with someone you trust
  • Maintaining your routines as much as possible
  • Getting mental health assistance for any mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse
  • Participating in talk therapy to include education about what you are going through so you can better understand your symptoms
  • Understanding that your symptoms may take awhile to improve
  • Considering that some people may benefit from medication

Reach out to Family Counseling Service for help

Traumatic experiences can impact people in very different ways, though some common elements exist. For some people, the symptoms do not last very long, while others have thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations for months and even years after the traumatic event. Using natural supports such as family and friends can help. Sticking to a routine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as much as possible is also essential. Finding a therapist that understands PTSD and other mental health issues is an integral part of the journey to recovery. 

 If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts, getting the help you need from a qualified mental health provider is important. Family Counseling Service is here to help. Call us at 630-844-2662 or contact us online to schedule individual therapy and give yourself permission to take care of yourself.