Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(It is not necessary to have all symptoms to indicate PTSD)
After a serious trauma (in childhood or as an adult) hidden symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress can plague victims for years. Many sufferers can’t discuss these life-changing symptoms unless offered a safe environment in which to discuss them.
Re-experiencing the trauma, flashbacks as though it was happening all over again;
Increased anxiety and low frustration tolerance;
Intrusive disturbing thoughts of the trauma;
Nightmares or other sleep disturbances;
Emotional distress when reminded of the trauma;
Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating)
Avoiding activities, or places that remind one of the trauma;
Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma;
Loss of interest in activities and life in general, feeling detached from others and emotionally numb;
Sense of a limited future, depression, hopelessness;
Irritability or outbursts of anger;
Difficulty concentrating, hyper-vigilance;
Feeling jumpy or easily startled;
Anger, irritability, guilt, shame, or self-blame, survivor guilt;
Substance abuse;
Feelings of mistrust and betrayal;
Suicidal thoughts;
Feeling alienated and alone;
Physical aches and pains.
Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD
Serious accident, war, childhood abuse/neglect, natural disaster, sudden death of a loved one, rape, assault, kidnapping, sexual abuse, terrifying emotional abuse, witnessing a violent incident, or any shattering event that leaves you feeling trapped, helpless and hopeless.
Things you can do for someone you care about with PTSD
Compliment their courage.
Be respectful of anniversaries of incidences, losses, etc.
Don’t take their anger personally. Anger is always a protective emotion for some underlying fear.
Listen respectfully to redundant stories. It’s one of the most precious gifts you can give.
Be kind. Don’t try to “educate” them about why they should feel differently or that their feelings are out of proportion to any current circumstances. Never say, “You should be over it”.
Remember, you may be oblivious to triggers that set off their flashbacks or painful memories. You did not survive the details of their trauma and the accompanying surrounding stimuli.
Never miss the opportunity to keep your mouth closed when you are tempted to judge.
Always create the opportunity to tell your loved one how lucky you feel to have them in your life.
Offer to participate in life-style changes, like healthy eating and exercise with them.
Books for you to read about PTSD
Shock Waves: A Practical Guide to Living with a Loved One’s PTSD, by Orange
When Someone You Love Suffers from Posttraumatic Stress: What to Expect and What You Can Do, by Zayfert, DeViva
The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship: How to Support Your Partner and Keep Your Relationship Healthy…by England
Supporting Children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Professionals, by Kinchin and Brown
When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself, by Epstein Rosen and Francisco
How You Can Survive When They’re Depressed: Living and Coping with Depression Fallout, by Sheffield, Wallace, Klein
I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment, by Amador
When Someone You Love Has a Mental Illness, by Woolis
Healing Together: A Couple’s Guide to Coping with Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress, by Phillips, Kane