Spread Awareness
Mental health awareness month is coming to an end, but the conversation about mental health and its various disorders needs to continue all year long. Today, we want to focus on one particular disorder: PTSD. Post traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone, and it often occurs after someone has experienced a traumatic event. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, which makes it difficult for people with PTSD to live normal lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, please seek help. You can do so by getting in touch with your doctor, the Morningstar clinic or your local Society of Care Navigator.
What Causes PTSD?
PTSD can be caused by a variety of things, including exposure to traumatic events, physical or sexual abuse, and natural disasters. It can also be caused by watching someone else experience a traumatic event. PTSD is a complex disorder with many different symptoms, so it’s difficult to say exactly why it develops in some people and not others. However, we do know that it’s not caused by weakness or a lack of character. PTSD is a real and serious disorder that can have a profound effect on people’s lives.
The Symptoms
People with PTSD may experience a variety of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, and avoidance.
Flashbacks
Flashbacks are probably the most well-known symptom of PTSD. They can occur spontaneously or in response to something that reminds the person of the traumatic event. They can be very vivid and realistic, and often cause the person to feel like they’re reliving the event.
Nightmares
Nightmares are another common symptom of PTSD. People with PTSD may have nightmares about the traumatic event, or they may have nightmares about other things that remind them of the event.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal is a state of being on edge all the time. People with hyperarousal may have trouble sleeping, be easily startled, and be constantly on the lookout for danger.
Avoidance
Lastly, avoidance is when people with PTSD try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. This can include avoiding people, places, activities, and thoughts. Avoidance can make it difficult for people with PTSD to live normal lives.