Studies estimate that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, presently affects millions of Americans. Nearly 70% of the adult population in the United States has experienced some form of trauma at one point, and many of these individuals eventually develop PTSD. Although PTSD symptoms vary from person to person, it’s important to know the warning signs so that sufferers and their loved ones can find support and help sooner rather than later.
Treating PTSD
Once PTSD has been positively identified, treatment and support from close friends and loved ones is integral to the healing process. Although some people never fully recover from PTSD, they can greatly improve their quality of life by learning to manage it. The two main types of treatment available for PTSD sufferers are counseling and medication.
The medications available for PTSD mimic drugs used to treat depression. There are also specialized medications meant for helping with nightmares, a common symptom among PTSD sufferers. While medication treats the physical symptoms of PTSD, counseling is highly recommended. It’s important for PTSD sufferers to talk about the traumatic event with their support system. Avoiding the subject may offer temporary relief but is ultimately damaging.
Some PTSD sufferers will go out of their way to avoid media, places, activities, and any other things that remind them of their traumatic event. This avoidance only serves to make the inevitable confrontation with the event, or surrounding circumstances, even more devastating.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD affects every person differently. Some are able to cope with their symptoms with minimal intervention, while others find returning to everyday life all but impossible. PTSD is recognized as a legitimate disability, as some sufferers of extreme PTSD cannot function in an employment setting. Connecting with a psychotherapist is a great way to determine the best treatment options for the worst symptoms, which typically include:
- Intense flashbacks of the traumatic event.
- Nightmares associated with the traumatic event.
- Mood swings and sudden emotional outbursts.
- Lack of energy, lethargy.
- Depression and anxiety.
- PTSD is known to trigger the “fight or flight” reflex, causing an adrenaline rush.
Again, PTSD symptoms can be varied. The effects may also take time to noticeably manifest. It is important to seek treatment options if you feel that you, or someone close to you, might be struggling with PTSD. Unfortunately, many PTSD sufferers turn to drug and alcohol abuse to numb the symptoms and avoid the issues bothering them. This can be a slippery slope that leads to severe consequences.
Finding Help
Counseling is proven to be the most effective method for treating PTSD. Although most PTSD sufferers are hesitant to speak about their traumatic past events, expressing these feelings and analyzing the effects of the trauma can be extremely beneficial. There are countless resources available for PTSD sufferers, so be sure to investigate what is available for your situation as soon as possible.
Additional resources:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/understanding_ptsd/booklet.pdf
http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd
http://www.healmyptsd.com/education/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-statistics