Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Many people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. However, if the symptoms worsen, last for months or even years, and interfere with day-to-day functioning, they may have PTSD.
PTSD can occur in people of any age, following traumatic events such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.
- Desire Disorders: Lack of sexual desire or interest in sex, which can include conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
- Arousal Disorders: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an arousal state during sexual activity. For men, this may manifest as erectile dysfunction, and for women, as female sexual arousal disorder.
- Orgasm Disorders: Delay or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia) after sufficient sexual stimulation.
- Pain Disorders: Experiencing pain during intercourse, which includes conditions such as dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (involuntary spasms of the vagina that prevent penetration).
INTRUSIVE MEMORIES:
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
AVOIDANCE:
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event
NEGATIVE CHANGES IN THINKING AND MOOD:
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
CHANGES IN PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL REACTIONS:
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger
- Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
Causes of PTSD
The development of PTSD can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Direct exposure to the trauma as a victim or a witness
- Severity of the trauma
- Inherited mental health risks, such as a family history of anxiety and depression
- Inherited features of your personality - often called your temperament
- The way your brain regulates the chemicals and hormones your body releases in response to stress
Treatment for PTSD at Freesia Health
Effective treatment for PTSD can help people regain a sense of control over their life. The primary treatment is psychotherapy, but can also include medication. Combining these treatments can help improve your symptoms by:
- Teaching you skills to address your symptoms
- Helping you think better about yourself, others, and the world
- Learning ways to cope if any symptoms arise again
- Treating other problems often related to traumatic experiences, such as depression, anxiety, or misuse of alcohol or drugs
At Freesia Health, we offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, the trauma-focused CBT that helps people evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts they have had since their trauma.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Involves repeatedly talking about your trauma with a therapist and exposing you to things that you have avoided since your trauma.
- Medications: Such as antidepressants, can help control symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Involves focusing on sounds or hand movements while you talk about the trauma.
Conclusion
Living with PTSD can be challenging, but the path to recovery is possible with effective treatment. At Freesia Health, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care tailored to address the unique needs of individuals experiencing PTSD. If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of PTSD, please reach out for support. Our team of specialists is ready to help you through your recovery journey.
