Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
by Taliah S.
what is PTSD an how does it effect someone?
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) is the development of symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. any kind of extreme stress can lead to this. it usually involves personal violent experiences. it mostly happens to veterans due to their personal experiences.
I like to think of it as experiencing something scary, and from that point on as time goes by you cant stop thinking about it and it comes back up at random times when you see things that remind you of it.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
- Reliving the traumatic event. this includes nightmares, flashbacks, or disturbing mental images
- Avoiding reminders of the event. this includes avoiding people places or activities that remind that person of the event.
- emotional numbness. they feel detached; they wont feel the same about the world.
- Hyper vigilance. meaning they can be easily startled or jumpy. due to high levels of stress hormones. difficulty concentrating and trouble sleeping are part of this.
i didn't know that animal can also be effected with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder but they can. And when they are they look funny, their eyes are wide and they don't move as much during flashbacks.
Who develops PTSD?
PTSD can be developed at any age.. not everyone who experiences a severe trauma develops it, most people don't. many people recover from traumatic memories like this.
How Is It Treated?
it doesn't go away independently . without seeking the right attention for it, it could last for months and come and go like being bipolar.
sometimes, people are afraid of seeking help because they get worried that it will bring back memories that they are trying to avoid