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.