blurred portrait of a man in red lighting

Understanding & Exploring the Realities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with soldiers returning from war zones, but the reality is that this mental health condition can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Although the image of an army veteran experiencing flashbacks is deeply rooted in popular culture, PTSD can actually stem from a wide range of life experiences, many of which have nothing to do with the violence of war.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences (or witnesses) a traumatic event, or any situation that evokes intense fear or helplessness. It’s not just the event itself but how the brain processes and stores the experience that can trigger PTSD. The brain may struggle to integrate the trauma, causing the person to relive the event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. These symptoms are often accompanied by emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and avoidance of situations or people that could serve as reminders of the trauma.

While some people experience symptoms of PTSD shortly after a traumatic event, this isn’t always the case. PTSD symptoms can take weeks, months, or even years to appear. The delayed onset can make it difficult for people to link their symptoms back to the traumatic event, especially if they’ve tried to forget about or move on from the experience.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD manifests through a variety of symptoms, and these are often grouped into four main categories:

  • Intrusive Thoughts: Flashbacks, nightmares, and disturbing memories that make the individual feel as though they are reliving the trauma.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind the individual of the trauma. This can include avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with the event.
  • Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Those struggling with PTSD may feel detached from others, experience guilt or shame, or develop negative beliefs about themselves or the world.
  • Hyperarousal: Constantly feeling on edge, having difficulty sleeping, or being easily startled.

How to Treat PTSD

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for PTSD that can help individuals manage their symptoms. Some of the most commonly recommended ones include:

  1. Talking Therapies
    These can help individuals understand and change the patterns of thinking that are keeping them stuck in the trauma. Trauma-focused CBT is particularly effective for PTSD, as it helps people confront the traumatic memories and process them in a healthier way.
  2. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    EMDR is a relatively new therapy that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating PTSD. During EMDR sessions, a therapist guides the patient through recalling distressing events while stimulating bilateral eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess the trauma and reduces the emotional intensity of the memories.
  3. Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT)
    Tapping involves using your fingertips to tap on specific points on the body while focusing on the traumatic memory or feeling. This practice combines elements of exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring with physical stimulation. Though it may sound unconventional, many people find tapping to be an effective way to release trapped emotions and calm the body’s stress response.
  4. Medication
    In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of PTSD, particularly if the individual is experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be used alongside therapy to help ease the mental strain while working through the trauma.

PTSD is a complex condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It’s important to challenge the misconceptions that surround PTSD and recognise that it can stem from various life experiences. The symptoms of PTSD can be very distressing, but with the right treatment people can regain control over their lives. Above all, seeking professional help and having the right support system in place can make a world of difference in managing PTSD and its effects.

Further Resources

  • Podcast: “Trauma Talk” with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
    Dr. van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, discusses the nature of trauma, how it affects the brain and body, and approaches to healing PTSD.
    Available on major podcast platforms.
  • Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
    This book explores the nature of trauma, how it gets stored in the body, and practical steps toward healing. Dr. Levine’s approach is unique in focusing on somatic (body-based) techniques for trauma recovery.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner