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BEAUFORT, S.C. - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disasters, or war related combat stress, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Certain smells, sounds, sights, hearing or reading about it, nightmares, or even the anniversary of the event can trigger symptoms of PTSD.
Some symptoms include, but are not limited to; reliving the event; avoiding situations that remind the person of the event; feeling numb; or always being on alert. During recovery, developing PTSD can be viewed as being stuck, and comes from the fight or flight response a person experiences during a traumatic event.
“The nervous system cues using your sight, smell, or even time of day,” said Lt. Nazia Rahman, a licensed clinical psychologist at Naval Hospital Beaufort. “When you are no longer in danger, your body still reacts to those stimuli as if you were still in danger.”
A person exposed to an Improvised Explosive Device blast during a deployment may have a panic attack in the future because of loud noises. While driving they may swerve from objects on the road, or be triggered by dust blowing in the air, said Rahman.
Sudden reactions fade over time when cues are avoided; however it can lead a person’s body to react as if they were still in danger.
“You will soon not trust your judgement or your own senses when situations are not dangerous,” said Rahman. “This leads to thoughts about the world being dangerous, especially particular places, situations, large crowds, and they may deem people as untrustworthy. Hence, the beginning stages of PTSD whereas you engage in avoidance behavior.”
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated. Although it may seem painful to face the traumatic event, there are professionals that can help. There are several kinds of therapy, support groups, and medicines that can lead an individual in the right direction. Other negative effects that come from the disorder are drinking, aggressiveness, and even suicidal thoughts.
Speaking with family and friends may be difficult for someone with PTSD because they tend to withdraw from those who care
the most.
To help an active duty service member, veteran or yourself, call the veterans crisis line at 1-800-273-8255, or the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2015 10:56 |
| Story ID: | 167296 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Know symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, by Cpl Samantha Foster, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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