(PTSD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event, either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
PTSD is grouped into four types of symptoms:
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Intrusive memories: This includes recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks), and severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds one of the traumatic event.
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Avoidance: This involves trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event and avoiding places, activities, or people that remind one of the traumatic event.
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Negative changes in thinking and mood: Feelings of hopelessness about the future, memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event, negative thoughts about oneself or others, and feelings of detachment from family and friends are common.
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Changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms): These include being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior such as drinking too much or driving too fast, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, and overwhelming guilt or shame.
Treatment for PTSD typically includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure therapy, and medications like antidepressants to manage symptoms. Support from family and community resources can also play a crucial role in recovery
