Awareness – FeelPurple

PTSD,

When I first read the acronym I thought that it might be some kind of certification course just like PMP and CBap.

For quite some time I had this image (so careless I was), but when I read something on one blog post with PTSD poem and some anxiety was there in that poetry.

My brain questioned my interpretation, we both (brain and interpretation) went to Google baba.

Google baba gave us profound information on PTSD. Here I am trying to summarise it, I know you might already be knowing it, you might be there with Google baba before me. But in case not, you can read further, I found few websites with this information links are below. And after reading the detailed information, I came to realize some friend of mine also had PTSD kind symptoms, I never knew it, maybe she doesn’t know this as well. It becomes easier to care and cure if we recognize symptoms and problems early.

Let me elaborate PTSD, it is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What is PTSD?

It is a mental health condition due to experiencing or witnessing some terrifying incident.

PTSD Symptoms can be re-living the past experience, acute anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the event and nightmares.

Good self-care is the key to overtake these symptoms, for most it can be a temporary phase to handle and they get better soon. For some, the symptoms can last longer and hinder in their day to day life, then it could be PTSD.

Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.

Symptoms

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

Types of traumatic events

The most common events leading to the development of PTSD include:

Combat exposure
Pregnancy-related trauma
Childhood physical abuse
Sexual violence
Physical assault
Being threatened with a weapon
An accident

Prevention

Getting timely help and support may prevent normal stress reactions from getting worse and developing into PTSD. This may mean turning to family and friends who will listen and offer comfort. It may mean seeking out a mental health professional for a brief course of therapy. Some people may also find it helpful to turn to their faith community.

Support from others also may help prevent you from turning to unhealthy coping methods, such as misuse of alcohol or drugs.