Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop in people who experience a dangerous, shocking, or scary event. When people go through a traumatic situation, it is normal to feel fear. Fear is a part of the body’s fight or flight response, which helps us to avoid, or respond, to danger. People generally recover from these symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD.
Typically, we associate PTSD with soldiers and veterans who have experienced, or witnessed, physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or other serious events. But anyone can develop PTSD at any age (at minimum 1% of boys and 3% of girls develop PTSD). Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Sometimes, learning that a friend or family member experienced a trauma can cause PTSD.
According to the studies of the national center for PTSD (U.S dept. of Veteran affairs), about 6 in every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Studies also show that woman are more likely than men to develop PTSD, and that biological factors (such as genes) contribute directly to this disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of a traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later. To meet the criteria for PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than 1 month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with daily life, such as relationships and/or work. The symptoms must also be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness. The course of this disorder varies. Some recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last for a year or longer. Some of the co-occurring conditions of PTSD are, but not limited to depression, substance abuse, or one or more anxiety disorders. PTSD can be a hard disorder, for the people close to the person with the disorder, for them to understand what they are going through. This can leave someone who has PTSD to feel alienated and hopeless. It is important to exercise patience and to receive the support needed for recovery.
There are many treatment options available for PTSD, which include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Other natural methods are diet, exercise, social engagement, and volunteer work. These are just some examples.
To get the support and treatment you need, or to help someone, speaking with a mental health professional such as Can-Am, psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker is the first step to recovery.
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