Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can include–but not limited to–serious accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, war, or the unexpected loss of a loved one. While it’s completely normal to feel distressed in the aftermath of trauma, PTSD involves symptoms that persist for weeks or months and interfere with daily life.
Key Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms fall into four general categories:
–Intrusion: Unwanted memories, nightmares, or flashbacks that can feel vivid or distressing.
–Avoidance: Efforts to steer clear of places, people, or thoughts that serve as reminders of the trauma.
–Changes in thinking or mood: Negative beliefs about oneself or others, difficulty feeling positive emotions, or a sense of detachment.
–Arousal and reactivity: Hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, irritability, or an exaggerated startle response.
Symptoms can vary widely between individuals and may not always appear right away. Some people experience delayed onset, where symptoms emerge months, or even years after the event.
Who Can Develop PTSD?
PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or occupation. While some people recover from trauma with time and support, others may find themselves stuck in patterns of fear or avoidance. Factors such as past trauma, lack of support, or underlying mental health conditions can increase risk.
Healing and Treatment
PTSD is treatable. Evidence-based therapies like Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) have been shown to help. Medications like some antidepressants may also be helpful in managing trauma symptoms. Treatment often involves a combination of medication and therapy.
You are not alone. If trauma continues to affect your ell-bring, seeking help is a step toward feeling more grounded, connected, and in control again.