08 January,2020 | Reading Time: 6 minutes
Experiencing a traumatic event can be extremely stressful. For some, these events can trigger an unpleasant set of reactions, which can become post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a mental health disorder wherein the person fails to recover from a traumatic event. The possibility of suffering from this disorder depends on the grievousness and frequency of the incident and can be mild in some while being severe in many others. Those suffering from mild PTSD are temporarily unable to cope with difficult situations, while the critically affected people must seek necessary medical attention.
The traumatic events may be a real-life incident or a perceived threat of injury or death and may include:
The effects of PTSD can be critical. Though seemingly normal among us, PTSD patients sense danger in every situation. The ‘fight or flight response’ is severely altered causing the affected person to feel stressed or fearful even in the most subtle or harmless situations.
Since PTSD symptoms are increasingly prevalent in war veterans, this emotional disorder has also been labeled “shell shock” or “battle fatigue”. Contrary to the myth that this mental disease affects only the old, mental health specialists maintain that it can affect anyone unbiased of age, gender, or race.
Many of us may have experienced at least one traumatic event in our lives.
In the US, 70 percent of adults, in their lifetime, experience at least one traumatic event. 20 percent of them develop PTSD. Also, in a given year, around 8 million Americans have PTSD. The global picture is no better. In fact, in countries where mental health remains a secondary thought and there’s a lack of adequate mental healthcare infrastructure, some experts believe the number of people struggling with PTSD could be higher. Those diagnosed with this disorder go through several stages before getting treated for it. The four stages of development of PTSD include:
For some, the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder are not visible until many years post the traumatic incident. However, some may be seriously affected by violence and bloodbath synonymous with war and terrorism or persistent domestic abuse and find it difficult to get rid of the consequent pain and turmoil within.
Psychologists classify PTSD into mainly four types including:
Traumatic experiences can leave a permanent impression on the minds of small children who are as young as 6-10 years old. These kids may show signs and symptoms like:
Not many are aware of the meaning of PTSD and how it affects one’s daily living and the problems it poses on one’s social life and work relationships. In daily parlance, people’s understanding of what does PTSD means is limited to its literary explanation. They are not aware of the spilling effect of this disorder if not treated in time.
Incidental stress can cause the surfacing of mild symptoms of this disease, though sudden reminders of these incidents can trigger unwarranted reactions. Mental health experts reveal that those diagnosed with PTSD are also at an equal risk of suffering from other emotional health disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc. Inability to cope with their terrifying experiences and the resulting trauma may push them to take alcohol or drugs for better coping.
There is no specific age group or race more susceptible to PTSD than others. Numerous risk factors come into play for the possible development of the disorder. These include:
Subtle reminders of incidents like sexual assault, severe bomb explosions, murders, the suicide of a family member, etc. can bring back haunting memories of the event. Inability to cope with the grief and trauma can result in many affected people contemplating suicide. When overwhelmed with suicidal thoughts, the affected may try the following options to seek necessary relief.
Psychologists decide on the right treatment for PTSD depending on the grievousness of the patient’s symptoms. Mental health specialists recommend talk therapy or medicines or a combination of both. The different ways to treat PTSD include:
Ignoring PTSD symptoms will only aggravate the problem. At Cadabam’s Hospitals, we have a multi-specialty team of mental health professionals who strive to ensure that no emotional disorder goes untreated. PTSD patients are treated using the most novel therapies and practices to help them recover and reclaim their lives faster. With customized treatment options and round-the-clock care, our experts ensure that you receive the best treatment. Our overall approach keeps ‘care for you’ at the center, ensuring all your needs, requirements, and problems are met with complete adequacy.
For more than 30 years, we have worked with countless patients, enabling them to defeat their PTSD. We promise you the same outcome.
If you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms – or you know someone who’s struggling with PTSD – get in touch with us today. Call us on +919741476476.