National PTSD Awareness Day 2019: Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder You Cannot Ignore
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is seen not only in war veterans but also in victims of abuse and rape, survivors of life-threatening conditions and anyone who has faced a traumatic life event. Reading the symptoms and getting treatment are the right time are key to healing PTSD.
National PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on June 27 to create awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The day has been designated as PTSD Day by the US Senate, who first observed it in 2010. On this day, organisations along with the government of US take the opportunity to create dialogues about the mental disorder that mostly affects war veterans. Women are twice as likely as men to experience PTSD in their lives. Before PTSD was recognised as a mental problem, it was known as “shell shock,” and “combat neurosis.” The term Post-traumatic stress disorder was coined in 1970s after many US war veterans came down with its symptoms. But PTSD is not limited to war veterans alone. Apart from the army men, victims of rape and abuse, survivors of disasters, residents in conflict-stricken areas, etc. also face PTSD. It can also be a result of any major traumatic event in one’s life. PTSD presents certain symptoms, which can hinder your day-to-day functioning. On National PTSD Awareness Day 2019, watch out for these signs.
Studies prove that three percent of people are currently experiencing PTSD. Although everyone processes shock and grief differently, there are some telling signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Lady Gaga Confesses About Suffering From PTSD After Sexual Assault; What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Recurring Nightmares
Some experience recurrent, frightening nightmares about the traumatic event and they are not just limited to the nights. Even during the day, the person can experience flashing memories of the horrifying experience.
Avoiding
The person experiencing PTSD will avoid certain triggers that remind him or her of the event. They may skip mentioning a name, an incident or a person connected to the traumatic memory. He or she may even stay away from the people in general.
Behavioural Changes
People experiencing PTSD may behave out of character. They may seem uncharacteristically irritable, touchy, angry, fearful or alert.
Self-Destruction
Some may resort to substance abuse such as drinking, smoking and drug use as a means to numb the suffering. People with PTSD may also seem noticeably reckless with life in general.
Guilt
PTSD can cause excessive guilt in a person, especially If he or she is the sole survivor of a tragic event. This is also known as survivor’s guilt.
Re-enacting
Children who undergo traumatic events may be too young to fathom it. So they may experience PTSD by enacting the incident through play.
Re-Living
People often see images of the event flashing before their eyes during the day. People who experience this symptom say that they suffer the trauma all over again.
These are some of the classic signs of PTSD that people experience. It is just a way for your mind to make sense of the tragic events you have experienced. If it interferes in day-to-day life, medical intervention is a must. Getting the right treatment is essential to prevent patients from taking the drastic step.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).