Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that can happen after someone goes through or sees something frightening or stressful. These symptoms can make daily life really hard, so it is important to know what they are and how they affect people. PTSD can happen to anyone—whether they have been in an accident, a war, a natural disaster, or gone through other really tough experiences like abuse or losing a loved one suddenly. Please keep reading to learn some of the most common symptoms of PTSD and how they show up in everyday life.
PTSD Symptoms Can Be Put Into Four Main Categories
Usually, PTSD symptoms can be grouped into four main categories. These include intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Understanding these categories helps us see what someone with PTSD might be going through. Let’s go over each of these categories in a simple way.
Intrusive thoughts Can Be Very Upsetting and Hard to Control
People with PTSD often have memories of the traumatic event that come back suddenly, even when they don’t want to think about it. These memories can be really strong and hard to ignore. Here are some examples of intrusive symptoms:
- Flashbacks: A flashback is when a person feels like they are back in a scary or upsetting situation again. It’s not just remembering—it feels like the event is happening all over again, and they might feel the same fear or pain they did during the actual event. Flashbacks can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
- Nightmares: People with PTSD may have nightmares about the event or other scary dreams. These nightmares can make it hard to sleep and cause tiredness and worry about going to bed.
- Upsetting Thoughts: Even when trying not to think about it, memories or upsetting thoughts about the trauma can pop up. This can make someone feel sad, angry, or guilty. These thoughts can be triggered by things like sounds, smells, or even words that remind them of the event.
Avoidance Is a Way People Try to Cope With Trauma
Avoidance symptoms happen when someone tries to stay away from anything that reminds them of the trauma. This is a way for people to protect themselves from being overwhelmed by bad memories. However, avoiding things can also make life harder and keep someone from doing normal activities. These symptoms include:
- Avoiding Places, Activities, or People: Someone with PTSD might avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. For example, they might stop driving after being in a car accident or stay away from crowded places after seeing something violent. This kind of avoidance can lead to feeling lonely and missing out on regular activities.
- Not Wanting to Talk About It: People with PTSD might avoid talking about their feelings or what happened, even with close friends or family. This can make their stress build up over time, making things worse. They might also avoid watching news or movies that remind them of what happened.
Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood Can Last a Long Time
PTSD can also cause negative changes in the way a person thinks and feels. These changes may not be easy for others to see, but they can have a big impact on a person’s happiness and relationships. For example, someone with PTSD might find it hard to connect with their partner or friends, which can lead to arguments or feeling distant from loved ones. These symptoms can include:
- Negative Beliefs About Yourself or the World: People with PTSD might think things like “I can’t trust anyone” or “The world is not safe.” These thoughts can make someone feel hopeless and like they have lost trust in others.
- Blaming Themselves: They might unfairly blame themselves for what happened or think they should have stopped it, even if it wasn’t their fault. This self-blame can lead to strong feelings of guilt and shame.
- Feeling Numb: It can be hard for them to feel happy or close to other people. This makes them feel disconnected, even from friends or family. It can make events like family gatherings less enjoyable.
- Losing Interest in Things They Enjoyed: Activities that used to be fun might not feel enjoyable anymore. This loss of interest, called anhedonia, can make it tough to find motivation or happiness in daily life, which can lead to feeling empty or sad.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions Are Also Common
These symptoms are sometimes called “hyperarousal” symptoms. They make someone feel like they are always on high alert or ready for danger. This can cause both physical and emotional problems. Here are some examples:
- Being Easily Startled: People with PTSD might jump or feel scared when they hear loud noises or see sudden movements. This response is usually stronger than what most people would have.
- Trouble Sleeping: It can be hard for people with PTSD to relax and fall asleep. They may have trouble staying asleep because of nightmares or anxiety. This lack of sleep can lead to tiredness during the day.
- Feeling Angry or Irritable: Being constantly on edge can make someone with PTSD more likely to have angry outbursts or feel irritated. This can cause problems in their relationships with friends and family.
- Problems Concentrating: It can be tough to focus on daily tasks or remember things. This can make work or school difficult and lead to problems getting things done or staying organized. The stress they feel can also make it hard to make decisions.
Physical Symptoms Can Also Happen
PTSD doesn’t just affect someone’s mind; it can also cause physical symptoms. These might include headaches, stomach aches, or feeling tired all the time. The stress from PTSD can also lead to health problems like high blood pressure or a weaker immune system. Some people feel their heart beating fast or start sweating when they are reminded of the trauma—this is part of the body’s natural “fight or flight” response.
Symptoms Can Be Different for Everyone
PTSD symptoms can look different from person to person. Some people may have all the symptoms we talked about, while others might have only one or two. The symptoms can also change over time—sometimes they are easier to handle, while other times they can feel overwhelming. For some people, symptoms show up right after the traumatic event, but for others, it might take months or even years before they notice anything. How PTSD shows up can depend on things like what kind of trauma happened, how someone usually copes with stress, and what kind of support they have around them.
When to Get Help for PTSD Symptoms
If you or someone you know has PTSD symptoms that make daily life hard, it’s really important to get help from a doctor or mental health professional. PTSD can be treated, and getting the right support, such as therapy, medication, or support groups, can make a big difference. Treatments like therapy (including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or EMDR) and medications can help manage and reduce symptoms so that life gets better. Support groups can also help a lot by connecting you with others who know what you’re going through. Remember, getting help is an important step toward feeling better, and it is never too late to reach out for support.
