Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Education on Domestic Violence & PTSD

What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD?)

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical condition that affects your body, the way you think, and how you feel and act. It may develop after living through, learning about, or seeing a terrifying event where you feel intense fear, helplessness, and horror. Everyone has probably been scared at some time in their life, and it is normal to go through a period of adjustment after a traumatic event. But when you have PTSD, you may feel like you’re actually reliving the traumatic event all over again, or you may have nightmares or thoughts about it over and over again. You may be just as distressed as if the danger were still present and become emotionally numb and unable to function.

It’s important to remember that PTSD is a real medical condition, like arthritis and asthma. Fortunately, it’s a condition that’s treatable. Learning more about PTSD and the treatment options available, including psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) and medicine, is the first place to start. If you think you may be suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you have PTSD and what form of treatment may be best for you.

For years, this disorder was known as "shell shock" and considered to be a condition that affected only war veterans. When significant numbers of veterans returned from Vietnam, mental heath professionals realized that this condition-- today called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) --was a psychiatric disorder that could be identified by specific symptoms. Researchers have also learned that anyone who has endured severe crisis, agony or torment can develop this disorder. .

Among the people who may develop PTSD are those who are victims or witnesses of a violent crime. Murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping or sexual assault are just some of the criminal acts that are to blame in many cases of this illness. Others have survived or witnessed a disaster, whether through natural causes such as fire or flood, or man-made causes such as car or airplane crashes, riots or military combat. .

For some, the symptoms of PTSD are short-lived and quickly resolved. But others will suffer for months or years, improving only with treatment. .

WHAT TO DO WHEN PTSD DEVELOPS

The most important step to take if you, a friend or loved one has symptoms of PTSD is to understand that it can be treated. No one should struggle with the painful, intrusive recollections and nightmares, with the overwhelming feelings of alienation and anxiety that are part of this illness.

PTSD, LIKE TRAUMA, STRIKES AT RANDOM

The chances of developing PTSD are as random as the chances of experiencing a disaster. The illness can develop in anyone of any age and in any income bracket who survives or witnesses a terrifying or horrifying event. Different people will experience the same traumas differently. One person may develop PTSD after surviving a tornado, while his or her neighbor has no problem coping with the disaster.

The severity of PTSD often depends on psychological and social factors. Research indicates that the disorder is more severe among people whose trauma resulted from human action rather than from natural causes.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PTSD?

People who have PTSD re-experience their trauma in some way. Most often, they develop intrusive and recurrent memories of extremely distressful and repeated nightmares about the experience. Psychiatrists report that, some people seem to lapse into a trance and may re-enact the traumatic event.

People suffering from PTSD develop immediate emotional distress when they are exposed to situations or conditions that resemble or symbolize their trauma in some way, such as an anniversary or commemoration. A woman who was raped in a snowstorm may get depressed every time it snows, a veteran may get angry and aggressive each year on Memorial Day.

People with PTSD also avoid thinking about or doing anything that reminds them of the event. A sexual abusive victim may find it difficult to have normal, trusting romantic relationships. In some people, this avoidance is so severe that they actually respond less to their surroundings; they become detached from others. They may no longer enjoy the activities they once loved, or be able to feel their normal range of emotions anymore.

Finally, people with PTSD experience persistent symptoms of increased anxiety, watchfulness or vigilance about what is happening in their surroundings. Many have an exaggerated startle response. For example, a survivor of a schoolyard shooting spree may "hit the dirt" and cover his head when he hears a car backfire.

Other people with PTSD have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Some have trouble concentrating. Many may burst into unpredictable explosions of hostility or anger or, conversely, be absolutely unable to express any emotions at all.

LOVED ONES CAN SUFFER TOO

Because PTSD numbs a person’s positive emotions such as loving and intimacy, while increasing irritability and anger, the disorder can take a toll on loved ones. They may not understand why the person who once was affectionate and caring no longer shows interest in spouses, siblings, parents, children or close friends. Family and friends may feel that they must "walk on eggshells" around someone with PTSD because they never know when the person will burst into rage. They may become frustrated trying to encourage a person whose outlook on the future holds nothing but continued distress.

Not only can the disorder threaten the person’s personal and family relationships, but it can also result in job loss or self-destructive behavior. Untreated, PTSD can develop complications such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and depression. Many of these conditions increase the risk of suicide.

PSYCHOTHERAPY: A KEY TO RECOVERY

PTSD patients usually respond well to treatment. Generally, most people benefit from individual or family psychotherapy. By talking with a therapist, an individual is able to better understand the illness and its effects on daily life and relationships. During therapy, the person can learn to rebuild his or her self-esteem, to cope effectively with symptoms and develop alternate ways of responding to stress.

Another form of treatment is called cognitive therapy, in which the person and therapist work to identify ways in which the person’s thoughts and perceptions contribute to or reinforce symptoms. People can learn to identify negative or unhealthy thoughts and transform them into thoughts and assumptions that encourage recuperation and recovery.

Behavior therapy can help people with PTSD learn new ways of dealing with the stresses that worsen their symptoms. For example, a woman who stopped driving because she was in a terrible auto accident may be able to reduce or eliminate her anxiety about automobiles through systematic desensitization. First, she would learn deep relaxation. then, she would list situations that are likely to provoke anxiety and rank them from least to most fearful. Working with her therapist, she would then envision or experience the least frightening situation while practicing deep relaxation. As her anxiety fades in that situation, she moves to the next most fearful level and repeats the process until she can participate in the most feared activity without anxiety.

Because PTSD has such an effect on loved ones, some treatment plans may call for family therapy. By working together, family members can learn to recognize and understand the symptoms of the illness and more effectively cope with their responses to those symptoms. In addition, families often work together to improve their communication, parenting and stress management skills.

Group therapy offers many therapeutic advantages. Survivors of a trauma come together to share their experiences and feelings. Nothing helps to understand as much as being understood. In doing so, people realize they are not alone and are able to provide support and feedback to each other. They also realize that others see them as valuable individuals worthy of respect and friendship. That realization bolsters their self-esteem and helps reduce their sense of survivor’s guilt. The group also works together to improve participants’ problem-solving and communication skills.

MEDICATIONS MAY HELP

Researchers have found that some people suffering from PTSD may benefit from medications. Studies have found that both heterocyclic and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressant medications can alleviate the fear, tension, excessive vigilance and other symptoms of PTSD.

Other research shows that benzodiazepines, a type of medication used to ease anxiety, are helpful when a person is suffering an emotional crisis related to PTSD. Beta-blockers, medications normally used to treat heart conditions, and another compound called clonidine, have also been found to be effective in alleviating the intrusive thoughts and explosive outbursts of emotion.

These medications help reduce the symptoms of PTSD that interfere with psychotherapy. As a result, patients can benefit more from therapy sessions and regain a more fulfilling life.

COMFORT ZONE

I used to have a Comfort Zone
Where I knew I couldn't fail
The same four walls of busy work
Were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things

I'd never done before,
But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone
And paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter,

That I wasn't doing much
I said I didn't care for things
Like diamonds, furs and such.

I claimed to be so busy

With the things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for
Something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by,

Just watching others win.
I held my breath and stepped outside
And let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength

I'd never felt before,
I kissed my Comfort Zone "goodbye"
And closed and locked the door.

If you are in a Comfort Zone,

Afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were
At one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise,

Can make your dreams come true.
Greet your future with a smile,
Success is there for you!

Unknown

PTSD

(Post Traumatic Sress Disorder)

I can’t go to bed,

Cause the things in my head,
Make it hard to fall asleep.

It’s like it happened today,

and it won’t go away.
Don’t ask me to try counting sheep.

It’s a part of the past,

They say the memories won’t last.
Times a great healer.

When you’re lying in bed ,

They can get in your head,
But only if you go to sleep.

Author's Comments on "PTSD" Jim love
Some people can close their eyes and get instant wide screen. Unfortunately everybody deals with it differently.

Lessons learned from a PTSD Survivor

I remember the first time we met. You taught me a lesson I won't soon forget.

You showed me that I was not alone in my battle with PTSD and showed it was a fight that could be won.

But you also said that it wasn't something that could be done by myself. For when battling such demons, we all need some help.

When we first met, I thought I was losing my mind.For answers to my questions, I could not find.

I wondered why this was happening to me. What did I do to develop PTSD?

You showed me that it wasn't my fault. For my feelings and compassion, I could not halt.

You told me that I just cared for my patients too much. And when you care about people, you are bound to be touched.

You have taught me a lot in this short little time. But most of all that true friends aren't hard to find.

All you have to do is be willing to let them in and help with your healing.

But I still often wonder why you care so, for someone you really don't know.

You always give me the very same answer,to help me is what you are here for.

And that someone once helped you in the very same way,and you feel like it is something that you must repay.

I am still scared of what I will have to face in the future,but now I am willing to learn to deal with it and not look for a "cure."

I don't know if you realize how much I care about you. For when it comes to friends, no one is better than you.

I just wish that everyone that is battling PTSD was as lucky as me. To have found someone that wants to help them willingly.

But I guess the main thing that I have learned from you: Is to always be willing to help someone when they are feeling blue.

For the best thing that you can tell someone that is battling PTSD,is that they are not alone, and never will be.

For as long as I continue to live. My help to others like me I will always give. written by: Debbie