Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common reaction to very stressful or traumatic events,
including car accidents, rape, being a victim or witness of crime, physical or sexual abuse, disasters such as fires
and tornadoes, or seeing someone else die.
People with PTSD have three main problems or symptoms:
- Re-living the trauma. This can include memories that you can’t control, nightmares, and flashbacks
that make you feel as if you are living the event all over again. Often memories happen when something you see or hear
reminds you of the event.
- Avoiding. Because it is upsetting to remember what happened, people with PTSD try not to think about
it. They also stay away from people, places or things that bring back memories. Often they feel numb or detached
from people. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to dull the pain.
- Signs of physical stress. These can include trouble sleeping, feeling irritable or angry all the
time, trouble concentrating, and feeling tense or on guard.
Therapy can teach you ways to cope with the feelings and tension that come with the memories. It will also help you face
the memories and develop a sense of peace.
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