Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an illness that can occur when you Experience or Witness a Traumatic Event. The brain naturally reacts biochemically to an abnormally stressful situation or situations. The Greater the Stress the Larger the biochemical reaction in the brain and the Greater the side effects.
KNOWN CAUSES *
ABUSE - PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL
BOMBING
CAR ACCIDENT
DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
HELD HOSTAGE
INCEST
KIDNAPPING
NATURAL DISASTER
NEGLECT
PLANE CRASH
RAPE / ASSAULT
SUDDEN DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
TERRORIST ATTACK
THREAT TO YOUR LIFE
WAR - COMBAT
WITNESSING A LOVED ONE GET HURT
COMMON PTSD SYMPTOMS
Anger and Irritability
- Screaming at your Spouse or Partner
- Less Patience with your Children
- Overly react to Misunderstandings
- Feel Irritated and Easily Set Off
Avoid Reminders of the Trauma
- Don't Want to Discuss the Events
- Don't Want to be around People or Places that Remind You of the Event
- Feeling Emotionally Numb
- Detached from Family and Friends
- Lost Interest in Activities
- Avoid Crowds because they feel Dangerous
Constantly Think about the Trauma
- Thoughts of the Event come to Mind when You don't want them to
- Become upset when Something reminds you of the Event
- Nightmares about the Event
- Flashbacks about the Event
Constantly Alert or On Guard
- Easily Started or Angered
- Preoccupied with Staying Safe
- Prefer Sitting with your Back to a Wall in Restaurants or Waiting Rooms
- Loud Noises Startle You
- Easily Fly into Rage
- Difficulty Concentrating or Sleeping
- Physical Problems:
Guilt and Shame
- Feelings of Guilt for not doing enough to Prevent the Event
- Ashamed of Your Actions during the Event
- Feel Responsible for what happened
- Feel Guilty You Survived, while Others were Injured or Killed
Problems in Daily Living
- Problems functioning at work, in School or Social Events
- Drink, Use Drugs or Smoke Excessively
- You May Drive Agressively
- You May Neglect Your Health
Negative Changes in Beliefs
- No Longer have Religious or Spiritual Faith
- Lose Positive or Loving feelings towards other People
- Stay away from Relationships
- Think the World is Dangerous, No One can be Trusted
*Information courtesy of Strength of a Warrior website.
