Brief Introduction to PTSD
This article gives a brief overview of Post-Traumatic stress disorder, find out more about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at our Public Health Information Session 'PTSD & Phobias' - 7:00pm 11th August 2015.
What is PTSD?
PSTD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a disturbing, terrifying and traumatic event either by witnessing or being involved in it. Early symptoms of PSTD are severe anxiety, nightmares and troubling, uncountable and frequent flashbacks of the event. People who witness a troubling event are less likely to develop Prost-traumatic stress disorder; however those in the event who are assaulted physically, mentally or sexually may be more likely to develop PTSD.
Brief History of PTSD
Man has always fallen victim to trauma, in some conditions time heals anxiety and nightmares but sometimes it is difficult to get rid of painful thoughts. PTSD was first given importance in 1980 when it was added to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder. Since then a major chunk of mantle patients have been categorized as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
How PTSD Works
Witnessing a traumatic situation does not cause PTSD, or does being a part of the situation but it is a common observation that people who are exposed to assault based trauma are more likely to suffer from PTSD. Patient hears voices and recalls event frequently, moreover PTSD also suffer from anxiety and major stress. Children are less prone to PTSD when compared to adults. Whilst PTSD exists amongst many victims of assault; it is still common to see PTSD in returning War Veterans.
Current treatment options for PTSD
Since the patient suffers from multiple other problems as well, thus medication is prescribed by doctors for anxiety and stress. Family therapy is the best remedy for PTSD. Patient needs comfort and care, thus doctors prefer the family therapy as it helps the patient heal at a much greater rate. Patient needs to open up and talk about his fears in order to get rid of stress; patient is close to family thus the chances of success increase through family therapy.
7 Tips to help manage PTSD
Patient can use self-therapy in order to get rid of PTSD. Following the below simple steps will help patient return to normal life.
- PTSD leaves a person terrified and this increases with time. Social interaction acts as a catalyst in the recovery process. Try to spend more time with people who care for you. Instead of locking yourself in a room, come out and meet people.
- Don’t keep quiet as it upsets your friends and family. Don’t make false assumptions that people don’t want to hear you. You are not a burden on the family so stop cursing yourself.
- Taking care of your body through exercise and jogging, keeps you fresh and thus spends up the recovery process.
- Indulge yourself in healthy activities such as gardening and horse riding. Don’t sit alone; watch a lot of TV as it will help you wipe off the troublesome memories.
- Accept the fact that you will be exposed to flashbacks and instead of getting worried and scared try to embrace it graciously.
- As soon as you see any sign of stress, take necessary measures to stop it before it gets out of control.
- Make sure you get a lot of healthy sleep. Sleep is important in the management of PTSD, as sleep deprivation aggravates moodiness and anger.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a serious condition for men and women alike; left untreated, it can serious consequences on the sufferer, their family and friends. The burden of PTSD on the sufferer is a lot to bear, and whilst society has come a long way in helping with this burden, we still have a long way to go. The best way for you to help, is to get more informed about PTSD and mental health. One way to learn more about PTSD in particular is through our Mid-Year Public Health Seminar on PTSD and phobias.
The session will be lead by Clinical Director Anneke Bull, with a special guest presenter who will tell you about his experience with PTSD, which developed after someone attempted to kill him. Grab your tickets and get a first-hand account of what PTSD is and how it really affects someone’s life.
Tickets can be bought at the door, booked via email, txt or purchase using the below link.
TICKETS ARE LIMITED. Book now to avoid missing out.