Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Fact Sheet: PTSD Symptoms & Possible Causes by Dr. Sanam Hafeez

Typically, when we hear post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we think of military veterans who experience vivid and often debilitating panic-inducing flashbacks of their time at war. Anyone can have PTSD symptoms and oftentimes they may feel judged for not being able to shake off something others may perceive as not being a big trauma. Many people suffer in silence. Typical symptoms of PTSD include:

• Distressing nightmares that awaken you in a state of panic.

• Persistent thoughts and recurring flashbacks about the traumatic experience.

• Numbing or avoidance of memories of the trauma triggered emotional responses.

• An overall on-edge feeling.

Here are the possible causes of PTSD:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: One quarter of the population will be involved in automobile accidents that result in serious injuries. For those who come seeking mental health treatment after a car accident, 60 percent are diagnosed with PTSD; it’s quite common. Symptoms may include feelings of anxiety, increased heart rate and a fear of driving or even being a passenger in a car. Oftentimes, people who were injured in a car accident or even perhaps witnessed a fatality will be in shock. Then over time, they begin to replay the accident. This is when it’s advised to seek therapy to cope with this trauma.

• Military Combat: As stated earlier, PTSD is commonly associated with combat veterans, with 31 percent diagnosed. Combat PTSD symptoms can include carrying a weapon when not necessary, seeing threats where none exist and outbursts of physical violence. Having these symptoms just means that you are have a reaction of stress to a nearly impossible situation. Service animals and emotional support pets are a start. Meeting with a PTSD specialist for therapy along with self-calming activities such as meditation, deep breathing, painting or yoga are recommended.

• Personal Assaults: Sexual assault, mugging or robbery are life-threatening situations that can instantly trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. When events like these occur, victims will try to avoid reminders of the trauma, always be on guard and may have problems in daily living. People who went through assault often report feeling unsafe and on edge, as if they are expecting someone to attack them again. They also experience terrible flashbacks with disturbed sleep. Turning to alcohol or drugs isn’t uncommon, which is why it’s so important to seek therapy. Group therapy could be very helpful because there’s comfort in not feeling alone.
  

• Natural Disasters: Natural disasters cannot be controlled, which makes it more difficult to prevent the anticipatory anxiety. Devastating life-altering events such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and fires often put people into a survival mode for up to 18 months, studies show. Symptoms usually peak during the first year and in most cases, survivors get better with time once they have accepted the reality of the event. When we look at natural disasters that result in loss of lives, assets and personal property, there’s a sense of hopelessness that can be incredibly overwhelming. The best way to deal with this situation is this is through therapy, which is often difficult to receive right away given that people get displaced and are focused on basic survival.

• Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is an attempt to control; it’s more about manipulation through put-downs, name calling, blame shifting, instilling fear through ultimatum and threats, and making the person question their recollection of conversations and events. Typically, there is an overstepping of boundaries and the victims feel as if they are walking on eggshells. Their every decision comes with doubt and anxiety, because whatever they choose may upset their abuser. Usually, the PTSD begins after the relationship has ended or, in the case of emotionally abusive parents, when the child leaves the home. Victims may feel depressed and fearful of being manipulated without knowing it. Helping people establish firm healthy boundaries and identifying “red flags” empowers the victim. Emotional abuse is particularly insidious in that it feeds off the vulnerabilities and insecurities of its victims.

Do you have PTSD or know someone who does? Share your story below. 

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