Post-traumatic Stress D isorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that develops after a person has witnessed or experienced a terrifying or traumatic event. These events ideally involve serious physical threats or harm. Symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, severe anxiety, flashbacks, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. This condition is generally a lasting consequence of traumatic ordeals that causes intense helplessness, horror or fear. Examples of situations that can bring on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder include natural disasters, physical assaults, an accident or the unexpected death of a loved one. Families of victims, as well as emergency personnel and rescue workers, can also develop PTSD.
A lot of people going through traumatic situations experience temporary difficulties in coping and adjusting, but they do get better with time and proper self care. In case the symptoms keep getting worse, and lasts for months and interfere with the daily functioning, there is a chance that one might be suffering from PTSD.
The symptoms of PTSD may start within a month of the traumatic event. But there also are instances where these symptoms may not appear until several years after the event. The symptoms experienced due to PTSD vary from person to person, but most of them can cause major issues in work or social situations and in relationships. They might even interfere with the ability of a person to go about their normal routine.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types, which are:
Seeking out professional help for the management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms is crucial for the well-being of a person.