PTSD: What to Know About Common Symptoms
Many people have heard of PTSD and it is often in the context of military members who have served in wartimes. In reality, PTSD is something that can affect the lives of anyone. As many as 7 out of 10 people will experience some type of trauma, which can lend itself to the development of PTSD.
PTSD is more common than you may think, and the best line of attack for recovering is knowing more about it. Here’s a look at some common symptoms.
Nightmares and Flashbacks
Trauma is a unique experience in that it can continue to trigger you long after the singular event is over. Memories created during the traumatic experience are typically not processed correctly. They live in a space where they can keep resurfacing.
When you become triggered by a sight, sound, or visual moment, for example, it can send your mind and body right back to that experience. The flashback can feel just as real as the original moment. Unfortunately, flashbacks can happen at any time and with no warning.
It’s also common to experience nightmares where you feel like you’re reliving the experience. These intense nightmares can cause a disruption to your sleep schedule, as well as your quality of sleep.
Avoidant Behaviors
Traumas can change you. It can change the wiring in your brain and the way you interact with the world. It’s not uncommon to develop avoidant behaviors that protect you from becoming triggered.
This is helpful in avoiding similar circumstances that are triggering, but can reach beyond to avoiding people or social situations. Avoiding reduces risk of re-exposure.
The biggest problem occurs when you start avoiding those people or places that can actually be helpful in your healing process, for example, your support system or stress relief activities.
Hypervigilance
It should come as no surprise that you may have feelings of heightened alertness after going through a negative experience. There may be a nagging feeling that you need to look over your shoulder, you may be easily startled, you may feel frequently on edge, or there could be difficulties sleeping at night because of an underlying fear or anxiousness.
Hypervigilance is a common defense mechanism with PTSD. In some strange way, it gives you a feeling of control and preparation in the event something else were to happen.
Hypervigilance is another symptom that can keep you from enjoying and living your life in a healthy way. Instead of having control, you truly are living in fear. Over time, this can lead to other compounded issues.
Difficulty Focusing
When your life is being dictated by fear and you’re always on high alert, it takes away time from other areas of your life. All the thoughts going through your head can affect your ability to focus on necessary tasks and responsibilities. Academic and career performance are often affected, as well as intimate time with your partner.
This inability to concentrate can cause a decline in your productivity, your relationship's health, and quality of life. Frustration about your situation can spark mood swings and irritability.
Negative Mindset
Trauma can break your trust in a number of different factors. People, safe spaces, and the system, among other things. After you’ve gone through something traumatic, it might feel impossible to find joy or hope in the present and future. You can easily get stuck in a negative mindset with everything that has gone on.
Unfortunately, that negative mindset can fuel some of your fear and hypervigilance. It can reinforce the habits of avoidance and isolation.
How to Treat PTSD
The best path for treatment is to speak with a mental health professional who has training in this specific area. Through therapy, you can work to establish healthy boundaries, develop coping effective coping strategies, practice relaxation techniques, and expand your support system.
If you’re living with PTSD from a past trauma, reach out to set up a consultation.
