Over the past several decades, the United States has gone through numerous wars and conflicts. Military personnel have been sent around the world and faced conditions and situations that many people can’t even imagine. The struggles that they have endured have brought more attention to a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD can make everyday life more challenging and have devastating effects.
But soldiers are not the only ones who can be affected by this condition. You don’t have to go through war to experience trauma. There are many civilians who also struggle with PTSD every day. It can affect the young and old alike and can contribute to a wide range of challenges.
PTSD develops as a result of either witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. These events may include:
- War
- Natural disasters
- Child abuse
- Kidnapping
- Car accidents
- Plane crashes
- Mugging
- Rape
In all of these cases there is either physical harm or a threat of harm and it changes how people respond. It is normal to feel afraid when you are in danger, but after experiencing these types of traumatic events, people may feel afraid even when there is no threat.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD. Some people are able to overcome these issues and return to a fairly normal lifestyle. They may still think about it from time to time, but it does not cause major disruption in their life. And in fact, it can take months or even years for PTSD to develop. It is not always immediate.
The symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. They are typically broken down into three main categories:
- Reliving the event: This can occur through flashbacks, dreams, or intrusive memories. There may be certain sights or sounds that trigger these occurrences, or they may happen unexpectedly. It can be incredibly stressful to always be reminded of what happened and feel like you are living through it over and over again.
- Avoidance: When something is painful, it makes sense that you don’t want to talk about it. When someone has experienced a traumatic event, they may try to push it from their mind by not talking about it or changing the conversation. They may steer clear of places, people, or activities that remind them of the event as a way to try to protect themselves.
- Hyperarousal: When you’re in danger, your body has a fight-or-flight response and you become highly alert. In those with PTSD, this doesn’t always go away. They may be jumpy and anxious much of the time, even when there is no danger. These symptoms can make them feel more stressed and irritable and they may have trouble sleeping. It may seem as though they are always on edge and easily startled.
These symptoms may be initially noticeable in anyone who has been in some type of danger, but in those with PTSD, they are ongoing. Their symptoms don’t really seem to get better and may become worse. It can be stressful not just for the person experiencing PTSD, but also for their family and friends to see them struggle.
Coping with PTSD
If left untreated, living with PTSD can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It becomes challenging to go about their normal activities or be in certain situations. Some people may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. These substances can help them to temporarily forget or numb the pain, but it is not a solution. In fact, continued or excessive use of these substances can spiral into addiction. This presents even more challenges to an already tough situation. Drugs and alcohol can also make anxiety and sleeping problems even worse.
If addiction does occur, a dual diagnosis program through drug and alcohol rehab can help. This can allow the person to get help for both conditions simultaneously. Their PTSD and addiction are intertwined, so treating them together can reduce risk of relapse by educating them about how one impacts the other.
Therapy can be a valuable way of learning to cope with and overcome PTSD. It helps people discover the root causes of their PTSD and deal with the emotions that come along with it. Putting things into perspective and understanding their feelings can allow people to better cope. Together with their therapist they will develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. Equipped with strategies and resources to handle different situations, the person can feel as though they are more in control.
Sometimes antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can also be beneficial. They can reduce symptoms and help to level out mood. It can take time for therapeutic levels to build up in their system and people should be closely monitored by their doctor to ensure they are taking the proper dosage and managing any side effects.
Building a strong support network can also be helpful. Friends and family should educate themselves about PTSD and talk to their loved one about how they can best support recovery. PTSD support groups can be valuable as well because the person will meet others who have gone through similar situations and can offer insight, advice, and support.
Getting help
PTSD is a condition that can be treated and managed to allow people to live a more normal lifestyle. With the right strategies and approaches, they can learn how to effectively cope. If you notice the signs and symptoms of PTSD in yourself or someone you love, contact your doctor or another professional immediately to get on the path to recovery. For those who have developed a substance use disorder in addition to PTSD, Chapters Capistrano offers dual diagnosis programs to provide them with the comprehensive treatment they need. Contact Chapters Capistrano at 888-690-4900 to learn more and start a new chapter in your life today.
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