Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is where an individual has been exposed to a traumatic event in which both of the following have been present:

  1. the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others
  2. the person's response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror

The duration of the disturbance is more than one month and causes clinically significant distress or problems in social, work, or other important areas of your life.

Signs and symptoms

If you have a history of being involved in a stressful event or situation (either short or long-lasting) of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature, it is likely to cause distress to almost anyone. The trigger event may have resulted in death or injury, and you may have experienced intense horror, fear or helplessness.

You may experience:

  • memories, flashbacks, and nightmares
  • avoidance activities, situations, and thoughts of the trauma, with a sense of 'numbness', emotional blunting, detachment from other people, unresponsiveness to surroundings, and a feeling of unreality
  • hyper vigilance, increased startle reaction, insomnia, irritability, excessive anger, and impaired concentration or memory
  • anxiety or depression
  • drug or alcohol misuse
  • significant difficulties dealing with social, work, and other activities

 

Options

If you suspect that you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it's important to seek help right away. The sooner PTSD is confronted, the easier it is to overcome. If you're reluctant to seek help, remember that PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and the only way to overcome it is to confront what happened to you and learn to accept it as a part of your past. It's only natural to want to avoid painful memories and feelings. But if you try to numb yourself and push your memories away, PTSD will only get worse.

You can't escape your emotions completely; they emerge under stress or whenever you let down your guard, and trying to do so is exhausting. The avoidance will ultimately harm your relationships, your ability to function, and the quality of your life.

  • educate yourself about post-traumatic stress disorder, helping to understand the changes in your attitude and behaviour
  • avoiding discussion about the event that triggered PTSD is unhelpful
  • facing avoided activities and situations is a gradual process
  • avoid using alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes to cope with anxiety
  • you need support and understanding, try to identify friends or family who will be supportive
  • seek professional advice and treatment

 

Friends and family

If a friend or family member has PTSD, it's essential that you take care of yourself and get extra support. PTSD can take a heavy toll on the family if you let it. It can be hard to understand why someone won't open up to you, why they are less affectionate and more volatile. The symptoms of PTSD can also result in job loss, substance abuse, and other stressful problems.

Letting your friend or family member's PTSD dominate your life while ignoring your own needs will lead to burnout. In order to take care of your loved one, you first need to take care of yourself. It's also helpful to learn all you can about PTSD. The more you know about the symptoms and treatment options, the better equipped you'll be to help your loved one and keep things in perspective.

  • learn about treatment options
  • educate yourself about PTSD
  • encourage the person to seek professional help
  • be supportive
  • be patient and understanding
  • try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers
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St. George's Hospital,
Corporation Street,
Stafford,
ST16 3AG