Symptoms may include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoiding situations that bring up memories of the trauma, increased reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a frightening event that is experienced or witnessed. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adapting and coping with them, but with time and good personal care, they usually get better.
If symptoms worsen, last for months or even years, and interfere with your daily functioning, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. Receiving effective treatment after symptoms of PTSD occur can be critical to reducing symptoms and improving function. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder may begin within one month of the traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships.
They can also interfere with your ability to perform your normal daily tasks. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can vary in intensity over time. You may have more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder when you're stressed in general or when you find memories of what you've been through. For example, you might hear a car fire and relive combat experiences.
Or you may watch a news report about a sexual assault and feel overwhelmed by memories of your own assault. If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you feel that you're having trouble regaining control of your life, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent PTSD symptoms from worsening. After surviving a traumatic event, many people have symptoms similar to those of PTSD at first, such as not being able to stop thinking about what has happened.
Fear, anxiety, anger, depression, and guilt are common reactions to trauma. However, most people exposed to trauma do not develop long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. They will ask you if you have experienced a traumatic event in the recent or distant past and if you have experienced it again through memories or nightmares. People who have experienced psychological trauma and have problems with PTSD may have serious problems sleeping.
You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Or, you may be sleeping too long. Sometimes when you sleep, you may have nightmares, especially about things related to the traumatic event. Or you may not dream at all.
Many people who have experienced psychological trauma or who have post-traumatic stress disorder have difficulty remembering things. In particular, you may have trouble remembering the specific details surrounding your trauma. This lack of memory is another way your mind tries to protect you. Unfortunately, that can also indicate that you're having trouble recovering from your trauma.
If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, you may also have relationship problems. For example, you may have trouble establishing close relationships with other people. In some cases, this may be because you are unconsciously trying to protect yourself from further harm. You may find it difficult to trust people or let them in, even when you want to.
In addition, the relationships you have are often difficult to maintain. For this reason, knowing the early warning signs of PTSD may encourage those who have difficulty seeking professional help. By recognizing the early warning signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, people who are struggling can get the help they need sooner to facilitate successful healing. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a significant impact on your daily life.
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