How to Recognize Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder usually occur after a person has suffered a traumatic life-threatening event or events. People usually experience symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder after car accidents, natural disasters, assaults, or death of a loved one. People can also experience symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder from being in a toxic and abusive work environment or being in abusive relationships.

Here is how to recognize symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. To recognize symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder notice if you are experiencing any flashbacks. Flashbacks feel as if you are experiencing the traumatic event or events all over again. Usually it's impossible to make the images go away. Sometimes there are triggers that make people experience flashbacks. For example, if you were in a car accident, the sound of sirens may trigger a flashback. Sometimes a certain smell can trigger a flashback.

2. Look for signs of jumpiness and problems concentrating to recognize symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. Hyperactive startle reflex or jumpiness is a symptom many people experience after a traumatic event. You may also always feel on guard most of the time for anything dangerous happening in your environment.

3. Be aware of difficulties falling asleep. Many people who suffer from symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder have difficulties falling asleep and even staying asleep.

4. Notice if you are avoiding places, activities, people, or social events associated with the traumatic event. You may also find yourself distancing from people emotionally.

5. Notice the amount of time since the traumatic event or events. Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can begin weeks, months and even years after the event.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect you suffer from symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, make sure to see a psychologist or doctor as soon as possible.
• More women than men suffer from post traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
• Post traumatic stress disorder is a different disorder than depression; however, people who suffer from depression are more likely to be affected by a traumatic event and develop post traumatic stress disorder.

Resources

• How to Overcome Codpendancy
• How to Deal with Depression after Being Laid Off
• How to Deal with Alcoholism in a Marriage
• National Institute of Mental Health - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

[exercisescience]

on 6/11/2009 Good article and good luck on your goal!

[missbeth]

on 6/9/2009 Excellent article! Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be devastating to a person's life if not treated properly. Sadly, so many of our servicemen and women are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with this disorder.5*s for this well written article!

[Upon-Request]

on 6/5/2009 I think the public at large still has much to learn about PTSD. Good steps for recognizing possible symptoms.