Have you recently experienced any trauma? Are you still suffering from intrusive memories, do you avoid reminders of the event, are you struggling to experience positive emotions, trouble to sleep…you may experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.(PDTS)
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Many people have difficulty coping after traumatic events, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If symptoms worsen, last for months or years, interfere with daily tasks, and affect social and work life and relationships, you may have PTSD.
What is a traumatic event?
A traumatic event involves experiencing or being threatened by death, violence, or serious injury, impacting your sense of safety or well-being. Trauma can result from a single event, but it can also stem from long-term experiences like frequent abuse. Witnessing a traumatic event can also cause trauma. You can also develop PTSD after learning that a loved one has experienced trauma.
Examples of traumatic events include but are not limited to, car accidents, severe injury or sudden illness, war and military combat, natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, fires or floods, physical abuse or assault, verbal and emotional abuse, sexual assault or abuse, the sudden death of a loved one, childhood abandonment, rejection or neglect, experiencing horror, helplessness or extreme fear at the time of the event, enduring long-lasting or repeated trauma, and lacking social support after a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD
- Intrusive memories:
Recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event, nightmares, or reliving the event through flashbacks.
- Avoidance:
Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, such as people, places, activities, and situations. Also avoiding remembering or thinking about the traumatic event, as well as refraining from talking about what happened or expressing feelings about it.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood:
Ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame, memory loss, negative or distorted thoughts about yourself, others, or the world, or blaming yourself or others. You may feel detached from others and have difficulty maintaining close relationships. Furthermore, you no longer enjoy activities you once did and struggle to experience positive emotions or feel emotionally numb. Suicidal thoughts and hopelessness may also be experienced.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Irritability, aggression, anger outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behaviour such as substance abuse, being overly watchful of your surroundings, and always being on guard for danger. Being easily startled or frightened, having problems concentrating as well as trouble sleeping.
Treatment
Receiving effective treatment can help you regain a sense of control over your life. The main treatment is psychotherapy, but it can also involve medication. You might consider individual therapy or support groups as a way to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help! Seeking professional support is a brave step toward taking care of your mental health. Know that PTSD is treatable, and with time, treatment can help you feel better.
At Mondia Health we are staffed with experts in psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, and more. We offer in-hospital admission which includes individual therapy and a group program. We also see patients on an out-patient (no admission needed) basis and offer monthly community support groups. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here for you. Your mental health matters to us.
If you require assistance, please contact us at our 24-hour helpline at +27 76 509 4011 or via email at info@mondiahealth.co.za.
