Signs Of PTSD That You Have To Look Out For

If you know of someone who has suffered a traumatic experience, there is a chance that symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will be present in their everyday life.

In the interest of helping these individuals, we’ve provided some information that can help you identify the symptoms of PTSD in yourself, or others, and find the necessary professional help.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a trauma and stress-related disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, behaviours and emotions. PTSD often presents itself after exposure to a variety of events, such as vehicle accidents, deaths, sexual assault, experiences during war, terrorist attacks, or any other tragic experience where the person felt helpless to stop the event from taking place.

Because the disorder has such far-reaching symptoms, it is crucial that individuals who have experienced these types of events get the help they need to better understand the trauma they have undergone.

Cognitive and emotional PTSD indicators

Here are some of the most common PTSD symptoms when it comes to the affected person’s thoughts and emotions:

1. Sleeping difficulties and experiencing nightmares
2. A depressed mood, or feelings of hopelessness
3. Feeling irate or experiencing outbursts of anger that cannot always be controlled
4. Feelings of impending doom, or constantly feeling unsafe
5. Feeling hypervigilant, constantly on guard, or general anxiety
6. A feeling of disconnection from those around you, or a feeling of emotional numbness
7. Constantly going over the traumatic event in your mind
8. Suicidal thoughts, whether direct (I should hang myself) or indirect (The world is a better place without me)

Behavioural indicators of PTSD

People suffering from PTSD may also show several changes in their behaviour, and the most common are:

1. Withdrawing from or being in constant conflict in relationships and with other people, which may also include signs of distrust and decreased intimacy.

2. The person’s relationship with themselves may also suffer, and can include self-harm, suicidal thoughts and lowered self-esteem and self-care.

3. A PTSD sufferer might also take on various coping mechanisms, like increased alcohol or drug use to help them deal with the symptoms.

4. PTSD sufferers will often go to great lengths to avoid actions and places that remind them of the trauma. This includes giving up activities or hobbies they enjoyed in the past

5. Their work performance will start to decline as a result of the negative feelings and actions taking over their life.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, or know of someone who has, please take the time to contact us as soon as possible to find the help you or they need. PTSD does not have to take over your world, and with professional help, you can enjoy a normal life again.

Related Tags: Psychologists Melbourne CBD | Stress Management Counselling Melbourne