When a person is exposed to violence, danger, illness or the threat of injury, they potentially carry that trauma with them for years to come. Well, here we are going to share the 17 symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The 17 Symptoms of PTSD
Here are the 17 Symptoms of PTSD:
- Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are the best-known symptom of PTSD. A person going about their day is suddenly confronted by distressing memories of what happened to them. This may occur in a related setting, for example, a person who has gone through a car accident can begin to panic in a vehicle. - Nightmares
Trauma survivors deal with nightmares regularly. Research from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs has indicated that 71% to 96% of those with PTSD have nightmares. Those with co-occurring mental illnesses are also at higher risk for disturbing dreams. - Memory Loss
Traumatic events will impact the brain’s functioning. Lots of people assume that this is due to a physical brain injury, it’s frequently a body trying to solve what has happened. The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are strongly associated with stress and memory. When something traumatic occurs, then memory loss occurs as a natural defense mechanism. Without treatment properly, these memories can resurface at any time, resulting in significant distress. - Avoiding Reminders of the Event
PTSD will change the way a person lives their life. One of the main effects of trauma is avoidance. For instance, someone who almost drowned will avoid swimming again. But they may even avoid taking baths or going to the beach as it reminds them of what happened. These avoidant behaviors will be debilitating. Those who are dealing with them are encouraged to do professional trauma treatment. - Negative Thoughts About Themselves and World
For those who have been through trauma see the world differently. They may feel hopeless. Also, it is common for them to see themselves in a bad light. One of the symptoms of PTSD is a negative perception of the self and the world. Reassure them that they are worthy of success and healing. - Self-Isolation
After something terrible occurs, it is difficult to connect with others. People with PTSD can have a hard time being around people for several reasons. These include an inability to relate to their friends. If you have been through a traumatic event and feel like your loved ones do not understand, we highly encourage you to speak with a professional therapist who specializes in trauma treatment. - Anger and Irritability
PTSD will create a state of hyperarousal. It means that the brain is kicked into a state of fight at the slightest urging. Hyperarousal will result in strong emotions like anger and irritability on a day-to-day basis. People who have been traumatized may lash out at others. - Reduced Interest in Favorite Activities
Negative life events will make it difficult to enjoy once-loved activities. The mood changes, avoidance and sleeplessness associated with PTSD mean that a person may feel unmotivated and uninterested in their hobbies and work. - Difficulty Concentrating
Hyperarousal and anxiety will remove one’s ability to concentrate. People who have undergone a traumatic event will struggle to readjust at work, home and school as their minds are often elsewhere. - Hypervigilance
After a traumatic event, the body will enter a state of hypervigilance. This increased alertness makes sure that a person is always prepared for any other threats. But, this state of extreme awareness will be exhausting and upsetting for trauma sufferers. - Insomnia
Insomnia is another symptom of PTSD. To go to bed, they have to let their guard down, which is difficult for hypervigilant trauma sufferers. Also, the nightmares they face at bedtime can make sleep an unattractive proposition. Lots of people who have experienced trauma struggle to sleep. They even turn to alcohol or drugs to calm their minds. - Obvious Flashbacks
People who have flashbacks may feel as though the traumatic event is occurring all over again. Memories are able to become so obvious that they seem to be happening in the current moment. This will be able to cause people to panic, resulting in an aggressive response. Also, they may be triggered by something as smooth as someone’s cologne or a certain tone of voice. People who have flashbacks are highly encouraged to ground themselves through the five senses. - Avoiding People and Places Related to the Event
Any reminder of a traumatic event will be able to catalyze a flashback. That is why lots of trauma sufferers become reclusive, avoiding people, places or things related to what happened. Actually, this behavior can be problematic. Just trying not to think about it is a solving mechanism that can worsen one’s symptoms over time. - Casting Blame
Self-blame is common after a traumatic event. People with PTSD will blame themselves for what happened, particularly if it resulted in the injury or death of a loved one. But they may also assign blame to others who were associated with what occurred. For instance, after a boating accident, the traumatized person will point the finger at the driver of the boat. Also, they might assign blame themselves for not calling out or warning the driver in time. - Difficulty Feeling Positive Emotions
Anger, guilt and sadness are the emotions mainly associated with PTSD. But this condition also dampens a person’s ability to manage positive emotions. The researchers have discovered that victims of domestic violence struggle to engage in goal-directed actions, control impulsive behaviors and accept their positive emotions. - Exaggerated Startle Response
An exaggerated startle response is a key aspect of hypervigilance. One of the symptoms of PTSD is caused by the constant feeling of being on guard. A small noise will be able to cause a victim of trauma to become jumpy. - Risky Behaviors
Risky behaviors are common among those who have undergone trauma. Persons with a high number of adverse childhood experiences, for instance, are more likely to attempt substances at a younger age and to develop an addiction. Risky behaviors such as drug abuse, unsafe sex, alcoholism, high-adrenaline activities and behavioral addictions. Those who are solving their trauma through compulsive comfort-seeking must seek professional treatment as soon as possible.
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