What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a severe traumatic event. It causes intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, and helplessness, which can negatively impact a person's daily life and relationships.
What Events Can Lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- Disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires)
- Assault, rape, torture
- Domestic violence
- Childhood abuse
- Accidents
- Wars
- Unexpected deaths
- Diagnosis of serious or life-threatening illnesses
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four main categories:
- Re-experiencing: Repeatedly reliving the traumatic event in the mind, having dreams or nightmares, and experiencing intense emotions and physical sensations triggered by anything that reminds them of the traumatic event (people, situations, places, events, objects, news).
- Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, conversations, and activities that remind them of the trauma.
- Numbing and Alienation: Emotional numbness, loss of interest, and a sense of hopelessness about the future.
- Increased Arousal: Being easily startled, constantly on alert, sleep problems, and outbursts of anger.
