Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is well defined among Military personnel, but I want to preface that traumatic event(s) may also occur among any civilian where the person has been exposed to trauma in which he/she has experienced, witnessed, or is confronted with an event(s) that involved actual or threatened death, serious injury or a threat to the physical integrity of themselves or others. The human response involves intense fear, helplessness or horror. Of note: in children, these emotions may be manifested as disorganized or agitated behavior.
PTSD Symptoms and Emotions
The most common cluster of symptoms of PTSD include recurrent intrusive recollections or dreams of the traumatic event, ie: images, thoughts, or perceptions. Some of the most distressing symptoms include hypervigilence, hyperstartle response, illusions, hallucinations or dissociative flashbacks of the trauma while awake or intoxicated. Some have an inability to recall specific or significant aspects of the event. Other symptoms can be masked as depression such as a markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, restricted range of affect or facial expression, difficulty falling or staying asleep, decreased concentration and irritability. Even more distressingly the person who suffers from PTSD may feel they’re going “crazy” because they may hear their name being called out when no one is there! The person may also feel a sense of a foreshortened future as well as a sense that he/she will be unable to have “normal” relationships including marriage, children, or a career. At times they feel they are unable to have “loving feelings” towards others. There can be extreme outburst of anger where family, friends or significant others report “came from nowhere” but let me assure you the one who suffers knows exactly why they are screaming or having a temper tantrum. It may have been exaggerated but it is real to them.One of the most hurtful or even detrimental responses from others would be “you’re crazy” or “did you take your meds”….this will only make things worse for the individual. Lastly in the case of molestation/rape there may be a period of hyper-sexuality alternating with a period of “not wanting to be touched”.
Do You Relate To These Symptoms?
If you have ever witnessed or experienced a traumatic event you deserve treatment! No human body can withstand prolonged periods of physical or emotional stress without eventually causing harm to your self. So PLEASE talk to someone. YOU DESERVE IT!
