One of the most debilitating mental health conditions to live with is the aftermath of a traumatic event called PTSD. It is a disorder that develops after a shocking, scary, or dangerous event in one’s life. Psychological symptoms develop that can carry over into every area of an individual’s life, leading to more conditions like addiction, depression, and suicide. Keep reading to learn more about the three key aspects of this traumatic disorder including its signs and symptoms, the consequences of leaving them untreated, and the available recovery options.
1. Signs and Symptoms
It is normal to feel scared after a particularly dangerous event, such as a car accident or the sudden death of a loved one. However, it is essential to know when certain symptoms are beginning to form so that it doesn’t lead to depression or suicide.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms are broken down into four main types:
- Re-experiencing symptom
- Avoidance symptom
- Arousal and reactivity symptoms
- Cognition and mood symptoms
To receive a diagnosis, an individual must experience a combination of these symptoms for at least one month:
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over, including the physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
- Bad dreams
- Frightening thoughts
Avoidance Symptoms
- Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
- Isolation from family, friends, loved ones, social activities, important events, and more in order to avoid any anxiety
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
- Being easily startled
- Feeling tense or “on edge”
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Having angry outbursts
Cognition and Mood Symptoms
- Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
2. When Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is Left Untreated
Without proper care, the symptoms associated with PTSD can become overwhelming, leading individuals to seek unhealthy coping mechanisms or feel hopeless about their future. It is crucial to address these challenges before they develop into more severe mental health conditions.
- Substance Use. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. While this may offer temporary relief, substance abuse can increase anxiety over time, creating a dangerous cycle that may lead to addiction, overdose, or even death.
- Suicide. When mental health conditions are left untreated, the individual is unable to manage their feelings and triggers, feeling as if there is no way out. This can quickly lead to depression and suicide.
3. Effective Treatment Options
Fortunately, treatment is available to help individuals regain control over their lives and find relief from their symptoms. A combination of medication and therapy has been proven effective in managing trauma-related conditions.
- Medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication can help alleviate common symptoms such as worry, fear, anger, sadness, and more. However, this method of treatment runs the risk of prescription pill medication addiction and should be done under the careful supervision of medical professionals.
- Psychotherapy. Through psychotherapy, especially at an inpatient mental health facility, can help individuals learn how to manage their triggers and symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches the individual how to identify the triggering of their symptoms and how to manage them, putting them in control of their condition rather than the condition controlling their day-to-day life.
- One-on-one therapy. By talking through triggers and issues, individuals will see relief from their symptoms. Other things that can be learned through sessions with a therapist include learning about trauma and its effects, using relaxation and anger-control skills, tips for better sleep, diet, and exercise habits, help identify and deal with guilt, shame, and other feelings about the event, and a focus on changing how to react to their symptoms.
In the End,
Living with the effects of trauma can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that recovery is possible. Recognizing the signs, seeking timely intervention, and exploring effective treatment options can make a significant difference in restoring mental well-being.
At our PTSD treatment centers, individuals receive specialized care to manage symptoms, regain control over their lives, and find relief from distressing experiences. If you or a loved one is struggling, reaching out for professional help can be the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
