Historically linked to the war, after which soldiers were known to suffer from major psychological problems including depression and anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) has been around for thousands of years.
The case was known under Many different namesfrom “shell shock” during World War I to “war neurosis” during World War II, and “combat stress reaction” during the Vietnam War.
In the 1980s, the term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was introduced – the most common term we use today.
But contrary to stereotypes, there are actually a number of reasons people are diagnosed — in fact, any traumatic event can trigger it.
People who participate in or witness traumatic events are more likely to experience short-term distress that resolves without the need for professional intervention.
but, One out of every three people Those who suffer from trauma go on to develop PTSD – a serious condition that can cause flashbacks, outbursts of anger, and insomnia.
To learn more about the condition and what to do if you are affected by it, continue reading below.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
PTSD, short for post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after being involved in or witnessing extremely stressful, frightening, or traumatic events.
What are the symptoms?
In most cases, PTSD symptoms appear in the first month after a traumatic event. However, there can be a delay of months or even years before symptoms begin to appear.
Specific signs can vary between individuals, but in general people experience flashbacks or nightmares, physical sensations, such as pain and sweating, lack of stamina, tantrums, and trouble sleeping.
Many people with PTSD can also have other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, engage in self-harming or destructive behavior, and develop physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest pain.
Can children develop post-traumatic stress disorder?
Yes, children can also suffer from PTSD and can have symptoms similar to those of adults, such as difficulty sleeping and nightmares.
Some children have symptoms such as bed-wetting, feeling unusually anxious when separated from a parent, and re-enacting the traumatic event through play.
What causes PTSD?
PTSD can develop after a traumatic event or prolonged traumatic experience including such things as serious road accidents, personal assaults, prolonged sexual or violent assault, military combat and traumatic births.
Other events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or a diagnosis of a life-threatening condition can also lead to PTSD.
How is it treated?
The main treatments for PTSD are psychological therapies and medications.
Before treatment, a detailed evaluation of your symptoms will be done by your GP who will then refer you to a mental health professional if you have had symptoms for more than four weeks, or are particularly severe.
If you have PTSD that requires treatment, psychological treatments are usually recommended first. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to help you manage problems by changing the way you think and act, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, a new treatment that involves making eye movements along with remembering the traumatic event. .
You may also be prescribed an antidepressant or if you overlook trauma-focused psychotherapy.
Who are the celebrities who suffered from PTSD?
A number of famous faces have spoken openly about their PTSD diagnosis, including the TV and radio host Matthew Wright.
The 53-year-old said he was diagnosed after leaving his long-running show on Channel 5 Stuff Wright. His symptoms included waking up in the middle of the night and feeling “travel fatigue” during the day.
the actor Keira Knightley She revealed that she had PTSD when she was 22 years old after being chased by the paparazzi, while she was a singer. Ariana Grande She said she suffered from the condition following the attack on Manchester Stadium in 2017.
Talking to British VogueGrande said: “It’s hard to talk about because so many people have gone through such a terrible, terrible loss. But yes, it’s a real thing.
“I know those families and my fans, and everyone there has experienced a huge amount of that too. Time is the most important thing.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever know how to talk about it and not cry.”
If you struggle with your mental health and would like to talk to someone about how you are feeling, you can contact the Samaritans by calling them toll-free at 116123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting www.samaritans.org To find the details of your nearest branch.
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