Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Written by: Arman Momeni

There are many stigmas surrounding mental health and wellness – but the truth is, it’s a global pandemic. Mental health CANNOT be taken lightly, and it is important to be educated on topics surrounding personal wellbeing; that is the goal at Science ReWired. This article will explore post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its causes, and possible treatments.

Fear is a normal emotion. When you get a test back, you may fear that you got a bad mark. If you like someone, you may fear they won’t like you back. If you were to get into a car crash, you may fear for your life. When watching a horror movie, you may experience several instances of fear. Fear is natural. It is a part of the body’s “flight-or-fight” response, which is crucial for helping humans avoid dangerous and harmful situations.

PTSD is different than fear, however. Though it may stem from fear, PTSD truly arises from trauma. Trauma is classified as the lasting emotional response that results from living through a distressing event; this distressing event is normally “terrifying” and fear related, but it can also be related to sadness, anger, or any other extreme, negative emotion.

PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event, which one could either experience themselves or simply see happen. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable, unavoidable thoughts about the specific event.

Many people experience traumatic events; it is a universal human experience, and it is truly optimistic to say that those who go through traumatic events will proceed emotionally and mentally unaltered or unaffected. It is normal to have temporary difficulties adjusting and coping, but usually, with time and care, the difficulties fade away and one begins to forget the trauma, moving on.

However, if the symptoms don’t fade, or even get worse, lasting for months, or even years, impeding one’s day-to-day life, one may be a victim of PTSD.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of PTSD normally begin within 3 months of the trauma, but they may emerge later. The symptoms of PTSD truly destruct social and employment situations. They can also destroy one’s ability to complete necessary daily tasks.

The first main branch of symptoms for PTSD is intrusive memories. Intrusive memories are emotional mental images and impressions that enter the mind INVOLUNTARILY. The key word in the sentence is involuntarily; one does not choose to have these memories. Intrusive memories are recurrent, unwanted, and vivid; the memories make it seem as if the event is truly happening again.

The next branch of symptoms for PTSD is avoidance. Emotional avoidance is a common reaction and is an escape method for people to avoid painful emotions. While it may be effective in the short term, in the long-run avoidance can be more harmful than beneficial. Avoidance refers to any action that is designed or done to ward off an uncomfortable or unpleasant emotion, such as fear, shame, sadness, or anger.

Another branch of symptoms regarding PTSD is an overall negative shift in one's thinking and mood. Negative changes in thinking and mood include having negative thoughts about yourself or other people or even the world in general. It can also comprise shifting from an optimistic to a pessimistic perspective, becoming hopeless about the future. Additionally, those with PTSD may find it difficult to maintain close relationships and have a lack of interest in activities they once found pleasure in.

While not a branch of a symptoms, those with PTSD may be easily startled or frightened and always be on the guard for a dangerous situation.

Treatment:  

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a truly terrible illness, and it is important that if you are struggling with it, you seek help and don’t let it control your life. Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment can help you regain control over your life, your emotions, and your relationships. PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that helps individuals and victims experiencing a wide array of mental health conditions and emotional challenges alleviate symptoms and identify the root cause of the issue. Psychotherapy is an approach to treat mental health by talking with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or any other mental health professionals. During psychotherapy, you will not only learn about your thoughts, but also understand how your specific emotions and behaviours can be altered to brighten and better your mood.

Medications, on the other hand, follow a more clinical approach. There are several types of medications that can help treat PTSD. Possible PTSD medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and Prazosin. It is important to work with a doctor to find the best medication for your specific case.

If PTSD or any other mental health issues consume your life, it is important to not fight them alone and to seek help.

Services for Help

Talk to Samaritans: Emotional Support 24/7 – Call 116 123 (It’s free)

CALM Helpline and Webchat 5pm – 12am (365 days a year) – Call 0800 58 58 58 or click here

Suicide Canada – Call 1-833-456-4566

U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call 988

Spectra Helpline – Call 416-920-0497

Kids Help Phone – Call 1-800-668-6868

Gerstein Centre – 416-929-5200