PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)

If one goes through or witnesses a traumatic event, it is very likely that the event with make a significant imprint on them. And afterwards, they may experience feelings such as numbness or fright.  And noises, smells, situations may trigger those responses. They may also develop sleeping difficulties such as insomnia.

These symptoms are often referred to as acute stress reactions, and the symptoms disappear after a few weeks, however, if they persist longer than a month you may be given the diagnoses of PTSD.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder brought on by the individual being exposed to a very stressful, frightening or distressing event.

PTSD can be an incredibly debilitating anxiety disorder causing the person to relive the traumatic experience through flashbacks, disturbing thoughts, feelings or nightmares.

If one is diagnosed with PTSD, you may hear it being categorised as either; ‘Mild’, ‘Moderate” or ‘Severe’.  This is not referring to the experience one has been exposed to, but describing the impact it is having on ones life.

Major signs of PTSD:

• Vivid flashbacks
• Intrusive thoughts
• Disrupted sleep/insomnia
• Nightmares
• Physical sensations; sweating, shaking, pain
• Panicking when thinking/reminded of traumatic event
• Hypervigilance, jumpy, easily startled
• Feeling emotionally numb, detached from ones body/feelings
• Abusing alcohol or drugs as an avoidance technique
• Feeling unsafe/having trust issues
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, anger

Normal everyday things can become a struggle and sometimes people suffering with PTSD may experience the following difficulties:

• Looking after oneself/family on a daily basis
• Maintaining relationships / jobs
• Coping with change or decision making
• Memory issues
• Loss of libido
• Absence of enjoyment of leisure activities

Are there different types of PTSD?

Yes there are different types of PTSD these are:

• Delayed-onset PTSD – generally if symptoms develop or appear six months after the traumatic event.
• Complex PTSD (CPTSD) – when one has experienced trauma at an early age such as severe neglect, abuse, violence (this can also develop years after the event)
• Birth trauma PTSD – which can develop after a traumatic or long delivery, unplanned caesarean, sudden emergency treatment.

Having a Solution Focused approach to PTSD helps one to reduce their anxiety levels and can be really effective in gaining control and moving forward at a pace that is right for the individual.