Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Disclaimer: The primary intention of this narrative is to increase awareness and enhance understanding about PTSD and not in any way written as a health guide. The author of this blog is not a healthcare professional and has very limited knowledge and understanding about the mentioned mental health problem. If you suffer from PTSD or showing symptoms of PTSD, it is best to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible for treatment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a disorder that an individual develops after a traumatic event in their life. The traumatic event may be a dangerous, shocking, scary, or devastating event that caused trauma or severe stress to a person.Â
It is natural for us to experience trauma or stress after a certain event happened as it is our body and mindâs way of responding to that specific event. However, the trauma caused by an event may stay longer for some people and sometimes lead to being diagnosed with PTSD.Â
To be diagnosed with PTSD, an individual must suffer or must have all of the following symptoms for at least a month:
Re-experiencing symptoms
Flashbacks, bad dreams, frightening thoughts
Avoidance symptoms
Avoiding places, events, or objects that may remind them of the traumatic event
Avoiding thoughts and feelings that are related to the traumatic event
Arousal and reactivity symptoms
Being easily startled and scared
Feeling tensed
Having difficulty sleeping and anger outbursts
Cognition and mood symptoms
Difficulty remembering key information about the event
Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Feeling guilty or blamed
Losing interest in fun and enjoyable activities
It is important to know that having these symptoms are normal, especially several weeks after the traumatic or saddening event happened. But if these symptoms last over a month, affects your life, hinder you from functioning, and arenât caused by drugs or any medication, you might be experiencing PTSD. Also, PTSD is oftentimes accompanied by depression, anxiety disorders, and substance or drug use.
PTSD is a serious mental health problem and if it remains underdiagnosed and untreated, it may have a dangerous effect on your life. Seeking professional help is highly encouraged as they will provide and give you medication, treatment, and therapy.Â
Written by: Angelika Cual
Primary Source:Â https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd











