Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), also known as battle fatigue syndrome, is a serious mental illness that develops in some people after having seen or experienced a frightening, traumatic, or dangerous event such as having been to war or combat, been sexually assaulted, threatened with death or serious injury, having encountered a serious accident, etc.
For anyone who’s been through any of these, it’s okay to be scared. Although it could lead to serious trauma and disability.
Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD can appear within one month of a traumatic event. Although in some cases, they may appear years later. Each person experiences different symptoms and the severity and nature change over a certain period.
These symptoms can put a strain on your social or occupational life, as well as in relationships. They can also impair your ability to carry out your normal daily activities.
The 4 groups of PTSD symptoms
- Intrusive memories
- Repetitive and distressing recollections and flashbacks of the traumatic event.
- Having recurring nightmares
that brings about intense emotional distress or physical reactions to anything that reminds you of that event.
- Avoidance
- Trying not to think or even talk about the traumatic event.
- Keeping away from familiar places, people, activities or events that traumatized them.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Feelings of hopelessness about the future
- Problems with memory and recall, including forgetting the vital aspects and details of the traumatic event.
- Having troubles in maintaining close relationships.
- Feeling emotionally detached and estranged from family and friends
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Arousal symptoms
- Getting easily startled or terrified
- Always on the lookout for danger
- Self-destructive behavior, such as excessive drinking or reckless driving
- Difficulty in sleeping and concentrating
- Aggressiveness, irritability, and frequent outbursts
Can anyone fully recover from PTSD?
Like most mental illnesses, there’s no known cure yet for PTSD. However, there are quite a handful of available treatments which can help minimize and manage the symptoms for people who are battling PTSD.
These treatments are often a combination of antidepressants, psychotherapy, alternative and innovative therapies.
With proper treatment, PTSD patients can look forward to a complete resolution, or even elimination of the distressing symptoms — for them to have another shot at a better life.
