Think You Might Be Suffering From PTSD? How To Know

PTSD affects around 3.5% of US adults every single year, with approximately 1 in 11 people being diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lives. So, what exactly is PTSD, and what are the signs of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder?

What is PTSD?

PTSD is the abbreviation for post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic, stressful, frightening, or disturbing events. This sort of psychiatric disorder may occur when people have experienced or witnessed a very traumatic event.

For example, PTSD may occur in those who have fought in wars or experienced natural disasters or terrorist attacks. However, PTSD can also occur in those who have had traumatic childhoods or after experiencing an adverse, life-changing event.

If you have experienced something traumatic, terrifying, or dangerous, you could have PTSD. So, how do you know if you have post-traumatic stress disorder?

How To Tell If You’re Suffering From PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can manifest itself in many different ways, and it’s important to note that it may not be a one-size-fits-all problem, as everyone deals with stress and trauma in their unique ways. If you think you could have PTSD, it is important that you talk to your doctor or a licensed therapist or psychiatrist for treatment and help.

There are some warning signs that you are experiencing PTSD if you have suffered from a life-threatening, stressful, or terrifying event. You may feel reminders and have flashbacks of the event and feel like they are haunting you. You may also feel like you are experiencing the event again. These are not memories; they are intrusive thoughts and can make you feel fearful and anxious all over again.

Others may try to suppress those reminders and feelings associated with the event. You may avoid people or places that remind you of what happened, and you can feel fearful of similar things happening again. For instance, if you were in a car accident, you may be afraid of driving again, or if you were sexually assaulted, you might be nervous around people that remind you of your attacker.

Noticing The Signs

Those who are experiencing PTSD may also act differently. They may have mood swings or change the way they think and behave as a defense mechanism. Others may be irritable or depressed and not want to socialize at all, isolating themselves from everyone.

Some people experiencing PTSD may change after the event, engaging in activities they were never previously interested in or being more risk-taking than ever before. The event can alter their state of mind and make them behave differently than before.

The traumatic experience can also cause a loss of interest in people, things, and activities they previously enjoyed, and they may have distorted beliefs about themselves or life in general. Many people who have PTSD may feel a lack of self-worth or may suffer from anxiety and fear, which can negatively impact how they develop and maintain friendships and relationships with others.

Common Symptoms Of PTSD

Vivid, realistic flashbacks
Nightmares
Intrusive thoughts
Distress at reminders of the trauma
Sweating, pain, and nausea
Panicking when reminded of the traumatic event
Easily upset, mood swings
Irritability, aggression, or depression
Lack of sleep
Symptoms of anxiety
Panic attacks
Difficulty concentrating
Fearful or easily scared

Next Steps

PTSD affects many people every single day and can have a huge impact on your life. It’s important to remember that if you think you have PTSD, you should seek trauma treatment, guidance, and support from a therapist to help you work through it. We, at Mindworthy Therapy, are here to support you. Reach out today so we can help you find relief.

Think You Might Be Suffering From PTSD? How To Know