Get Informed Topics Mental Health Mental health condition POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

After a traumatic experience, such as experiencing an accident, it’s normal to feel frightened, sad, anxious, and disconnected. 

But if the upset doesn’t fade, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months, or even years later. 

Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder

Some of the causes of post-traumatic stress disorder include:

  • Serious road accidents
  • Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging, or robbery
  • Serious health problems
  • Childbirth experiences

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Re-experiencing the traumatic event through intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares
  • Avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic event.
  • Having sleep problems 
  • Having nightmares 
  • Having negative thoughts and moods changes such as feeling alone, difficulties concentrating or self-blame

What can I do to manage PTSD?

You can do the following to help you manage PTSD:

  • Learn and read more about PTSD
  • Stay away from drugs and alcohol
  • Replace anxious thoughts with positive ones
  • Learn how to relax
  • Eat healthily and exercise
  • Identify your triggers and try avoiding them
  • Talk to a trusted friend, adult, or family 
  • Seek help from a professional counselor 
  • Do something fun or nice for yourself
  • Spend time with people who make you feel safe and good about yourself
  • Get enough sleep
  • Don’t blame yourself. 
  • Work on improving your self-esteem
  • Do the things you love

 

If you're worried about your PTSD, it's important to seek help as soon as possible.

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