4 main signs of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but generally, they fall into four categories:

1. Intrusive Thoughts and Memories:

• Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event as if it’s happening again.
  • Distressing Dreams: Repeated nightmares related to the trauma.
  • Intrusive Memories: Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images of the event.
  • Emotional Distress: Intense emotional reactions when reminded of the trauma.
    
    
    2. Avoidance and Numbing:

• Avoidance of Triggers: Avoiding people, places, activities, or situations that remind you of the trauma.
  • Emotional Numbing: Feeling emotionally detached, numb, or disconnected from others.
  • Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.
  • Feeling Distant: Feeling detached from loved ones.
    
    
    3. Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood:

• Unhelpful Beliefs: Holding distressing beliefs about oneself or the world (e.g., feeling guilty or responsible for the trauma).
  • Self-Blame: Believing the trauma was your fault, even when it wasn’t.
  • Negative Emotions: Experiencing persistent negative emotions like anger, guilt, shame, or fear.
  • Difficulty Remembering: Having trouble recalling details of the traumatic event.
  • Negative Outlook: Feeling that the future is bleak or that life won’t get better.
    
    
    4. Arousal and Reactivity:

• Hyperarousal: Feeling on edge, easily startled, or having an exaggerated startle response.
  • Irritability: Feeling easily irritated or angry.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus or pay attention.
  • Sleep Problems: Experiencing sleep disturbances, like insomnia or nightmares.

These symptoms can be distressing and interfere with daily life. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms after a traumatic event and they persist for more than a month, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, which might include therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, Compassion focused therapy (CFT) or EMDR. Early intervention and support can significantly improve the outlook for individuals with PTSD.

Click here to read how trauma can lead to depression and anxiety