When we think of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, we think of soldiers coming home from the battle. But can anyone have PTSD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health the answer is “Yes.”
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes combat veterans and people who have experienced or witnessed a physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, a terror attack, or other serious events. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are no longer in danger. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most will recover from their symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later. To meet the criteria for PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than 1 month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms also must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness. The course of the disorder varies. Although some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last for 1 year or longer. People with PTSD often have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, substance use, or one or more anxiety disorders. After a dangerous event, it is natural to have some symptoms. For example, some people may feel detached from the experience, as though they are observing things as an outsider rather than experiencing them. A mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker—can determine whether symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD.
Here are some of the symptoms.
Flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event, including physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweating, recurring memories or dreams related to the event, distressing thoughts, physical signs of stress.
Thoughts and feelings can trigger these symptoms, as can words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event. One may stay away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience or avoid thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event. Avoidance symptoms may cause people to change their routines. For example, some people may avoid driving or riding in a car after a serious car accident.
You may easily be startled or have tense feelings, or be on your guard, or be on edge. You may have difficulty concentrating or even difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. You may feel irritable and have angry or aggressive outbursts. You could even engage in being risky, reckless, or destructive in your behavior. Arousal symptoms are often constant. They can lead to feelings of stress and anger and may interfere with parts of daily life, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating. Other symptoms are trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event or negative thoughts about oneself or the world, even exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others. You could have ongoing negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame or loss of interest in previous activities or maybe even feelings of social isolation or difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction.
Older children and even teens may also may develop disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive behaviors and they may feel guilt over not preventing injury or death, or have thoughts of revenge.
Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include: Exposure to previous traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood. Getting hurt or seeing people hurt or killed. Feeling horror, helplessness, or extreme fear and having little or no social support after the event to help you deal with stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, pain and injury, or loss of a job or home. Having a personal history or family history of mental illness or substance use
If you think that you may have PTSD seek help. Some people with PTSD, such as those in abusive relationships, may be living through ongoing trauma. In these cases, treatment is usually most effective when it addresses both the traumatic situation and the symptoms of PTSD. People who experience traumatic events or who have PTSD may also experience panic disorder, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma. Research shows that support from family and friends also can be an essential part of recovery.
Download this PDF on PTSD
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Or visit the “First Aid Kit” at www. safetyzoneforteens.com