Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic StressDisorder
A disorder characterised by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Tragic events such as accidents, death, rape, domestic violence, suffering a miscarriage etc.
A disorder characterised by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.
Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety or depressed mood
Treatment includes different types of psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms.
A Note to people living with PSTD
- Find people who will allow you to talk openly about your triggers
- Work with a Trauma informed Professional who understands emotional flash backs
- Create routines and minimize unnecessary stressors
- Remind yourself often that triggers are related to past events to help you stay oriented to time and space
- Think ahead of types of thing that trigger you to help you not feel off guard by sensory overload when and if the brain and mind get triggered.
- Remind yourself that PTSD is a normal response related to traumatic events you were powerless to control. It is not your fault