Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can affect anyone who has been through distressing experiences such as accidents, abuse, or natural disasters.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.9% of the global population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD doesn’t just affect the mind, it can also impact physical health, and relationships, and reduce overall quality of life. Proper treatment is essential, as PTSD can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being.

In this blog, we’ll break down PTSD’s symptoms, causes, and the most effective therapeutic approaches that can help individuals in their growth journey.

Meaning of PTSD

People experience a range of reactions after experiencing a traumatic event such as serious accidents, wars, or any abuse. Intense fear, anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares characterise PTSD. While many people naturally recover from trauma over time, others experience persistent and severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. PTSD occurs when symptoms persist for months, weeks, or even years interfering with their daily life and mental well-being.

Studies show that 1 in 3 people who experience trauma may develop PTSD. The condition might affect people differently but with proper therapy and support, this condition can be treatable helping individuals regain control and improve their health.

Now that we understand what PTSD is, let’s explore its key symptoms that affect a person’s day-to-day life.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can vary from person to person but below are the mentioned symptoms that can be majorly seen in individuals.

1. Intrusive thoughts & Re-experiencing

This involves reliving the traumatic events in distressing ways, often triggered by reminders of trauma. It typically includes flashbacks of the event if it is happening again, distressing nightmares, and persistent thoughts of unwanted memories. All these actions lead to sweating, panic attacks, or rapid heartbeat when reminded of the trauma.

2. Avoidance behaviour

In this, people mostly avoid anything that reminds them of their traumas. They refuse to talk about the trauma, avoid people, and places related to traumatic events, limited social interaction, and lost interest in their hobbies.

3. Negative changes in thinking and mood

PTSD impacts human emotions significantly and leads to long-term distress. It leads to continuous negative thoughts about the world or self, feelings of guilt, fear, and shame and not experiencing positive emotions or thoughts in the mind.

4. Changes in emotional or physical reactions

This disorder results in various emotional and physical changes in the body. Anger outbursts, irritability, and difficulty in concentration are the major signs that reflect the effect of this disorder. Sometimes a person harms himself in these situations.

PTSD symptoms can evolve over time and may worsen without appropriate treatment and support.

What Causes PTSD?

Apart from traumatic events, here are some of the causes that also contribute to PTSD and can affect an individual’s mental health too.

Serious accidents

Car crashes, workplace injuries, and life-threatening emergencies can trigger PTSD.

Physical or sexual assault

Domestic violence, sexual abuse, or physical assault might be a major reason for this disorder.

Childhood abuse or neglect

Early trauma, neglect, or any emotional abuse can later cause serious mental health issues.

Military situations

Many veterans develop PTSD after experiencing explosions, emergencies, or any dangerous mission.

Sudden loss

Unexpected deaths of loved ones or witnessing a traumatic loss can trigger PTSD symptoms and affect your mental health.

Medical trauma

Life-threatening illnesses, surgeries, or intensive medical treatments can affect emotional health significantly.

How does Personalised Therapy Help?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be challenging, but with effective therapy and care it can be treated by reducing symptoms and regaining control of lives. Therapy helps in

Regaining a sense of control over emotions and thoughts.
Rebuilds trust and emotional connection with others.
Early intervention can reduce the risk of depression or other mental health issues.
Provides effective coping methods like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or other methods.

Many people still hesitate to seek professional help due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness. If you or your loved ones are dealing with a disorder, reaching out to an expert therapist is a first step towards healing.

Dr Kavita Deepak-Knights is a popular name in the mental health industry. Her dedicated approach to helping people has emerged in the form of Matters of the Mind where she helps all the people who are dealing with any trauma, stress, or disorder. Through a tailored approach, she offers in-person and remote services and offers psychological therapies to individuals, ensuring a healthy path to mental wellness.

If you’re also struggling with PTSD, we’re here to help!

Contact Dr Kavita Deepak Knights

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What Is PTSD? Symptoms, Causes, and How Therapy Can Help