Have you ever had a traumatic experience, been involved in a car accident, or a victim of an assault? Or maybe you witnessed the catastrophe? Probably for a long time after this event you could not recover. We explain why this happened below.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or have witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, major accident, terrorist act, war, rape, or other violent personal attack.
In the past, post-traumatic stress disorder was known by many names, such as “bullet shock” during World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. It is worth noting that PTSD does not only apply to combat veterans.
PTSD can affect all people, people of any ethnic origin, nationality, or culture, and of any age. It is estimated that one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD during their lifetime. Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings about their experience that last long after the traumatic event is over. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares, and may feel sad, afraid or angry.
People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of a traumatic event and may experience strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as loud noise or accidental touch.
Post-traumatic stress disorder – risk factors
While it’s impossible to predict who will develop PTSD in response to trauma, there are some risk factors that make it more susceptible. Many risk factors relate to the very nature of the traumatic event. Traumatic events are more likely to cause PTSD when they are associated with a serious threat to life or personal safety: the more extreme and prolonged the threat, the greater the risk of PTSD in response.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – treatment
Recovery from PTSD is a gradual, ongoing process. Full recovery does not happen overnight, and memories of trauma never completely disappear. There are many scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of TMS therapy in the treatment of PTSD.
Life can seem hard at times. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to deal with any remaining symptoms and reduce your anxiety and fear.
Eliminating the feeling of helplessness is the key to overcoming PTSD. Trauma makes you feel powerless and vulnerable. It’s important to remember that you have strengths and coping skills to help you get through difficult times.
One of the best ways to regain a sense of inner power is to help others: help others, your loved ones and those in need, donate blood, reach out to a friend in need or make a donation to your favorite charity. Taking positive action directly challenges the feeling of helplessness that is a common symptom of PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – don’t be shy to ask for help from others
PTSD can make you feel inferior to others, and you will avoid contact with your loved ones and friends. In this condition, it is very important to stay connected with life and the people who care about you. You don’t need to talk about your trauma if you don’t want to, but caring support and the company of others is essential to your recovery.
