When considering if you are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other stress related symptoms, it's valuable to have a sense of whether or not symptoms are chronic, acute or episodic. For example, are symptoms occurring over a long period of time or do they come on suddenly and more severe, then fade? A mental health professional should be able to conduct a pre and post treatment evaluation scales so that you or your loved one can see how intensely each symptom is experienced and progress can be monitored.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This category is also known as PTSD. The stress is usually from witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event such as a fire, a car accident, natural catastrophe, or crime like rape or assault, exposure to combat in wartime, or major surgery. Symptoms, which can range from mild to intense, include:
- Recurring images (sometimes called flashbacks) of the event and a feeling like it is actually happening in the present
- Nightmares/dreams of the trauma
- Bodily discomforts (sometimes called body memories) associated with the trauma
- Avoidance symptoms (often full blown Agoraphobia) – keeping away from places or things that would trigger memories or feelings from the event
- Feelings of detachment, numbing, or dissociation – feeling cut off from your body, thoughts, emotions, etc.
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping), agitation, irritability, or outbursts of rage
- Excessive physical reactions - like a combat veteran who flinches or runs for cover when hearing a truck backfire
If you are a Partner of a Survivor of PTSD (or traumatic physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect), there is a specific set of challenges for you in terms of intimacy and relationship issues that can be worked on with the help of a mental health professional. It is important to not substitute what you read for professional consultation and treatment.
