Talking About PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
By Andres Carvajal
Edited By Stephanie Dawson

Talking about PTSD(Post traumatic stress disorder)

Post traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that will affect some persons after they went through a traumatic event that caused intense fear ,hopelessness or horror . this might happen as a result of personal trauma , for example: rape, war , natural disaster , some abuse an accident or witnessing a violent or tragic event. The traumatic event has a serious and profound effect in yourself, and this will create a perpetual feeling that the own life or the life of others life is in danger, that there is no hop or extreme feelings of fear toward someone or toward a specific situation. 

It is common to experience a brief state of anxiety and depression after such events , but people suffering PTSD, will revive automatically in some kind of flashbacks. These flashbakcs are as intense as the original trauma and will create intense emotions of fear still reliving the trauma This will lead to some kind of phobia toward events, situations or persons that awakes these flashbacks. 
For example , a woman who suffered an assault is not only going through a period of stress and depression , but can develop a state of post-traumatic stress which often relive and remember what happened. The person will feel hopelessness because they cannot change the situation they can keep remembering, or having nightmares with the event. 



General Characteristics

People with this condition will suffer symptoms from one month to several years and this will not allow them to perform the same actions and have the same routine as they did before the traumatic event. A trauma is cut off, a new page, a new universe because of the extreme pain and fear it created. The person’s life will be affected and, in many cases , would be impossible for them to function properly without help. 

Symptoms of PTSD , usually appears over a period of 3 months after the traumatic event , but may also arises months or even years later.When a trauma is so severe , there is a significant change in the nervous system, creating an over activation of the fight or fligh response throught he sypathetic pathways.

On the PTSD , change the body’s response to a stressful event . Normally , after such a traumatic event the body recovers and heals itsels and its able to stop the production of hormones related with strerss. In people with PTSD their autonomic systems is so activated that they are in constant state of high stress. PTSD can occur at any age and can follow events like :   an assault, car accidents, domestic Violence,   natural Disasters,  incarceration, physical or mental abuse, terrorism or war. 
    


Symptoms



There are three types of symptoms of PTSD :



1. Repetitive flashbacks of the traumatic event, which disturbs daily activities

    Flashback episodes , where the event seems to be happening again and again.
    Recurrent distressing memories of the event.
 Repeated nightmares of the event.
Strong and uncomfortable physical reactions to situations that remind you of the fact .



2. evasion

 Emotional indifference. Feelings of negligence towards own self esteem. 
    Inability to recall important aspects of the event.
    Lack of interest in normal activities . Avoiding people, places or thoughts that will recall the traumatic event. Sensations hopelessness and fear



3. Over activation Always scanning the surroundings for signs of danger ( hypervigilance )
 Lack of concentration Easily startled .
Feeling irritable or having angry outbursts .
Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep .
You may also have feelings of guilt and remorse

Treatment for 

Psychotherapy

psychotherapy or counseling is the bet and direct way to control your life and make positive changes.

When you talk to mental health professionals , such as psychiatrists or therapists , in a quiet and cozy environment, they can help you manage your symptoms of the disorder. They will also guide you as you and will calm you. In some treatments, you are encouraged to remember the traumatic event and express their feelings about it. Over time, memories of the event will become less frightening.
During psychotherapy , you can also learn relaxation techniques , especially when you start having flashbacks .Your doctor may suggest to take medications. These drugs can help relieve depression or anxiety and to have better sleep. drugs need time to take effect. Remember not to stop taking or to change the amount (dose you are ) taking without consulting with your doctor . Ask your doctor about possible side effects and what to do if you experience them.


 there are Support groups where people share similar experiences with PTSD may be useful. Ask your doctor about groups in your area.

Sources
Australian Centre forPosttraumatic Mental Health. Summary of the Military Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Literature: 2009. East Melbourne: Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, 2010.

Eibner, Christine. Invisible Wounds of War: Quantifying the Societal Costs of Psychological and
Cognitive Injuries: Testimony Presented before the Joint Economic Committee on June 12,
2008.