PTS

What are the signs and symptoms of PTS?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events may include things like combat, natural disasters, accidents, violent attacks, or the loss of a loved one. People can also develop PTSD after prolonged exposure to stressful situations, such as abuse or working in high-risk environments like emergency services or law enforcement.

While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, factors like the severity of the trauma, the person’s coping mechanisms, previous mental health history, and the amount of support they receive afterward can influence whether PTSD develops. It’s important to remember that PTSD is a natural response to abnormal experiences, and seeking help can be crucial in managing and healing from it.

Intrusive Memories

Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts about the traumatic event can make it feel like it’s happening all over again.

Avoidance

People with PTSD might avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma. They may also try to block out memories of what happened.

Negative Changes in Mood or Thoughts

This could look like feeling numb or disconnected, having a hard time trusting others, or thinking negatively about yourself or the future.

Increased Arousal and/or Reactivity

Feeling constantly anxious, easily startled, having trouble sleeping, or being quick to anger are all signs of increased arousal and reactivity.

When someone experiences trauma, their body goes into fight-or-flight mode, which is a natural response to danger. But in people with PTSD, this response can stay “on” even after the danger is over. Essentially, the body and brain struggle to process what happened, and this causes them to stay stuck in a state of heightened stress and fear. So, even though the threat has passed, the person’s body and mind keep reacting as if it’s still happening, which leads to those ongoing symptoms.

Psychological Injury

When something extreme or traumatic happens, it can lead to a psychological injury, but that doesn’t always mean it’ll develop into PTSD. A psychological injury refers to emotional or mental harm that results from a stressful or overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t necessarily cause the full range of PTSD symptoms. It could be from a tough situation like trauma, stress, loss, or even being treated badly by others. It’s not like a physical injury, but it still impacts how you feel, think, and act. People with psychological injuries might feel sad, anxious, or on edge. They could also start avoiding certain situations or feel disconnected from others. It can even show up physically, like headaches or feeling exhausted. These injuries can happen from big traumatic events or even from long-term stress, like a difficult job or bullying. The good news is that with the right support—like therapy, talking things through with others, and practicing self-care—people can heal and start feeling better over time. So, when something extreme occurs we may experience a psychological injury and not PTSD.

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Disclaimer: The information provided by Zenify is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical or mental health concerns. If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.