Every single person will endure some kind of traumatic experience. However, not every trauma provokes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Every single individual reacts to traumatic events in a unique. Therefore, it is not always possible to predict who is likely to develop PTSD or why. During a traumatic event, the brain goes into survival mode. When it does not automatically back into restoration mode after such an event, PTSD may be present.
Common Examples of Trauma
Anything that involves intense loss, helplessness, terror, or abuse can be traumatic. These experiences can be one-time events or take place over a prolonged time period. Trauma can also exist secondhand — for example, upon hearing details of a traumatic event. Generally speaking, such traumas fall into some broad categories:
Being victimized by a violent or violating crime
Witnessing a violent crime
False accusations, arrest, or imprisonment
Domestic violence
Rape
Sexual assault and abuse
Non-sexual physical abuse
Psychological abuse
Exposure to war conditions and situations (battle, terrorism, forced migration, etc.)
Natural disasters (fire, earthquake, hurricane, etc.)
Accidents
Surgery, illness, injury
Shocking betrayal
Death or loss of someone close to you
Any of these examples (or related versions) can result in PTSD. Read on to learn more about the symptoms associated with this condition.
PTSD Symptoms
Again, these can vary widely from person to person. Some commonly reported symptoms include:
Anxiety
Depression
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Becoming easily startled/hyper-vigilant
Anger
Intrusive thoughts
Loss of trust
Avoidance of many/most social situations
Isolation
Fatigue
Feeling emotionally numb
Suicidal thoughts
7 Signs PTSD Is Impacting Your Day-to-Day Life
1. Irregular Sleep Patterns
As mentioned above, this could arise from frequent nightmares. More insidious are the less obvious obstacles to maintaining healthy sleep patterns. For example, you may wake up often throughout the night and then have difficulty getting back to sleep.
2. Subtle Avoidance of Social Interactions
It can be as simple as always choosing the self-cashier line at the supermarket. PTSD can seriously impact your desire and ability to engage in the small, daily exchanges that make up your life.
3. Canceling Plans
Your need to heal may result in you making plans or accepting invitations. It sounds pleasant and healthy to have something to look forward to. Unfortunately, PTSD will often provoke you to cancel — oftentimes, at the last minute.
4. Frequent, Unexpected Crying
Maybe someone touches you while walking past you. A television commercial inexplicably strikes a chord. The causes are innumerable but the result is the same: an unexpected binge of tears.
5. Disproportionate Reactions
Your emotions feel out of sorts. You may react numbly to shocking or sad news. Just as likely, you are capable of flying off the handle with rage from something that would have previously felt minor to you.
6. Inability to Concentrate
You may really notice this sign when at work. Your focus is waning and your productivity is decreasing just as quickly. It feels disconcerting but the more you notice it, the worse it gets.
7. Dissociation
You feel “disconnected” from your own experiences. You may call it “daydreaming” or “blanking out,” but with PTSD, it is a symptom called dissociation. Dissociation can make you feel as if you are watching your life instead of living it.
Don’t Go It Alone
It should be quite clear by now that PTSD is serious and urgent. Far more than awareness or self-care is required. Individuals struggling with this condition are encouraged to avoid isolation and seek help. There is a wide range of treatment options available. One of the most successful and enduring approaches involves making a commitment to regular therapy sessions. Working with a skilled guide is a healthy and proven path toward recovery.