Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Is It and How Do You Move Forward?
Imagine you were in a terrible car crash—or maybe you don’t even have to imagine it. It was a traumatic moment in your life and you’re struggling to deal with it. It’s normal to have feelings of anxiety, but these feelings may fade away as time passes. Sometimes though, these anxious feelings are intense and recurring. The trauma may be re-experienced through flashbacks or nightmares, or very-real-feeling intrusive memories.
These intense feelings and memories may be symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening event or series of events. PTSD is a complex disorder that affects various aspects of a person's life, including their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Let’s dive in to learn more.
What is PTSD and how does it affect your mental health?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a terrifying and/or traumatic event. The condition may also develop in individuals who are exposed to a series of traumatic or life-threatening experiences. It is a complex disorder that may impact various aspects of a person's life, including their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
It is not unusual for individuals who go through a traumatic event to struggle coping with it after the fact. As time passes, and as the individual practices self-care, it may become easier for them to cope. If the symptoms persist and/or they begin to interfere with everyday activities, it may be indicative of PTSD.
In Canada, it is estimated that 76 per cent of Canadians report experiencing a traumatic event, and it’s estimated that approximately eight per cent of Canadians who experience a traumatic event develop PTSD.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness or an indication of personal failure; it is a natural response to an overwhelming and distressing event. This condition can occur in anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Traumatic experiences such as physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, military combat, accidents or witnessing a life-threatening event may trigger the development of PTSD.
What are the symptoms of PTSD and how is it diagnosed?
An individual may not experience the symptoms of PTSD right away. Some symptoms may appear within a month of the traumatic event, but it may take months or even years for symptoms to appear. These symptoms tend to be long-lasting and may disrupt daily life.
Intrusive Memories
These may include:
Recurring and distressing memories of the traumatic event
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Extreme physical reactions to things that may remind you of the event
Avoidance
These may include:
Avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with the traumatic event
Avoiding certain places, activities, people or discussions that may trigger distress
Avoidance may cause individuals suffering from PTSD to be isolated from their support systems and may hinder their recovery.
Negative changes in mood and cognition
These may include:
Recurring feelings of guilt, shame, gear and/or anger
Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy
A persistent negative outlook on life
Feelings of detachment
Ongoing, distorted sense of self, of others and of the world
Hyperarousal and reactivity
These may include:
Feeling constantly on edge and irritable
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Having exaggerated startle responses
Difficulty concentrating
This heightened state of alertness may be exhausting and may disrupt daily functioning.
These symptoms will be unique to the individual and will vary in terms of intensity and duration. Sometimes they may worsen over time. Sometimes, they may not appear in an individual until years following the event. Additionally, it would not be unusual for PTSD to co-occur with other conditions, like depression or substance misuse.
To meet the criteria of PTSD, symptoms last for more than a month, and cause distress or interfere with day-to-day life. For an official diagnosis, an adult must experience the following:
At least one intrusive symptom
At least one avoidance symptom
At least two hyperarousal and reactivity symptoms
At least two mood and cognition symptoms
How do you treat this condition?
While living with PTSD can be challenging, it is important to remember that recovery is possible. There are several science-backed treatments that can be helpful for people living with PTSD. Psychotherapy is often a primary treatment and can be combined with medication to help improve symptoms and help people regain control of their lives.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): This cognitive behavioural treatment aims to help people who are stuck in their thoughts about a traumatic event or series of events.
Prolonged exposure therapy (PET): This form of therapy helps individuals gradually approach their trauma-related situations, thoughts, and memories, so they can learn to confront their fears. The goal is to show individuals struggling with PTSD that these memories and triggers are not dangerous.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This type of therapy combines exposure with guided eye movements that aim to help process trauma and change reactions.
These forms of psychotherapy, combined with medication may help to improve the symptoms of those living with PTSD. Individuals can work with their doctor to explore medications and dosages to determine the best fit for moving forward.
What can daily life look like with properly managed PTSD?
You’ve determined your symptoms and sought out a mental health professional to help you treat and control your PTSD symptoms. Now what?
There are several actions individuals can take to set themselves up to properly cope with and manage their PTSD symptoms. First and foremost, we recommend sticking with your treatment plan and moving toward recovery. Here are some more tips and techniques for managing PTSD:
Educate Yourself. By understanding all you can about PTSD, you set yourself up to make sense of your thoughts and feelings.
Practice Self-Care. Prioritizing self-care is essential when recovering from PTSD. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Taking care of your physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can also positively impact your mental well-being.
Engage in Meaningful Activities. Participating in activities that bring joy and a sense of purpose can help individuals regain a sense of normalcy and control. Engaging in hobbies, volunteering, or pursuing creative outlets can provide a distraction from distressing thoughts and create positive experiences.
Don’t Self-Medicate. Try not to turn to substance use, although it may feel like the best way to cope. This may interfere with treatment and mitigate healing.
Practice Patience and Self-Compassion. Healing from PTSD is a process that takes time, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself throughout this journey.
Spend Time with Loved Ones. Connecting with supportive and caring people may offer comfort and help during the recovery process.
Look into Support Groups. It may be helpful to spend time with individuals who are/have had similar experiences.
PTSD is a challenging condition, but it is possible to overcome. With the right support, coping strategies and professional help, individuals can move forward and reclaim their lives. If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, let us help you find the right professional to help you.