Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can cause lasting effects. Many people with PTSD find themselves struggling in their daily lives due to reminders of their trauma. When faced with these struggles, understanding how PTSD symptoms play out can be beneficial for developing effective coping strategies.
Understanding the Different Types of PTSD Symptoms
Most people with PTSD experience four categories of symptoms:
- Avoidance – Doing your best to avoid all possible reminders of a traumatic event, such as refusing to go to certain locations or be around certain people.
- Negative Thoughts/Feelings – You may longer feel kindly towards the things and people you love. You may find yourself avoiding others or letting go of previously beloved hobbies and interests.
- Intrusive Memories – Memories of the event may come flooding back into your mind against your will. These memories can come in the form of flashbacks, which makes a person feel like they’re reliving their trauma in real time.
- Altered Physical/Emotional Reactions – People with PTSD can become more fearful, even when their fear is unwarranted. They can experience insomnia, accelerated heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing.
These symptoms can cause major disruptions to a person’s life and negatively impact personal relationships, work, and academic career. Accordingly, securing the right treatment is crucial for coping with PTSD.
How Is PTSD Treated?
People with PTSD often benefit from the following treatments:
- Therapy – Therapy for PTSD includes cognitive behavioural therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, group/family therapy, and exposure therapy.
- Medication – Because anxiety and depression often occur alongside PTSD, many people benefit from anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants.
- Other Treatments – Support groups, meditation, volunteering, and hobbies can also help facilitate healing in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
Everyone’s PTSD journey is distinct, so it is important to pursue the treatments that best work for you. Your doctor can help you determine the most suitable treatments.
