:: PTSD ::

A traumatic event -- such as a natural disaster or another kind of violent experience -- can trigger intense emotional reactions. Both victims and people who provide aid and relief can be affected. Some people respond to trauma with few reactions, while others may respond with many. The types of emotional reactions people have following a traumatic event are based on many factors: whether the event was sudden, how long it lasted, how directly affected the person was, and whether the person has experienced traumas in the past. When intense reactions last for months or longer, experts refer to this as "post-traumatic stress." Understanding post-traumatic stress and learning ways to cope with it can help people heal and move on.

The signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress
After a traumatic event like a natural disaster, accident, or act of violence, many people feel a flood of emotions. They feel afraid, stunned, shocked, or as though what they experienced wasn't real. Reactions like these are normal and they allow us to get through the immediate event. Intense emotions and reactions can come and go for weeks, months, or longer following a traumatic event. When they continue for a prolonged period of time, this can be of sign of post-traumatic stress.

Here are signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress:

• Nervousness and anxiety. Feeling anxious and still in danger. Feeling fearful about going out. Being hyper-vigilant about safety and your family's safety.

• Depression. Feelings of sadness and grief. Feeling a loss of energy, or a loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities. Changes in appetite or weight. Having memory difficulties, frequent crying episodes, feelings of hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts.

• Anger and irritability. Feeling "angry at the world" or feeling anger toward people you love and trust. Arguing often with relatives, friends, or fellow service members. Feeling angry toward specific people or groups of people. Feeling aggressive or having a hard time controlling feelings of aggression.

• Mood swings. Having trouble controlling your emotions. Moods that go up and down. Going along fine and then suddenly feeling very anxious or upset.

• Flashbacks. Especially if you were directly affected by a traumatic event, reliving portions of your experience. Seeing images of the event. Having flashbacks and vivid memories that come over you without warning. Sweating or having a racing heart while you are having a flashback.

• Difficulty concentrating. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Forgetting parts of your ordinary daily routine, like brushing your teeth, paying your bills, or preparing meals.

• Fear of going crazy.

• Survivor guilt.

• Feeling less trusting of others and the world. Feeling less secure.

• Withdrawing from others.

• Not wanting to talk about the event. Avoiding thinking about the event or reminders of the event. Feelings of detachment.

• Changes in appetite, sleep, or other habits. Not feeling hungry or forgetting to eat. Eating too much or more than is healthy. Lack of interest in sex. Sleeping too much. Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Having nightmares about the event.

• Physical changes. Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath. Feeling shaky, panicky, or very tired. Flu or cold-like symptoms.

People who have lived through a traumatic event often feel different from others -- they feel like outsiders. A person experiencing post-traumatic stress may experience some of these responses or many of them. A person may have different responses one after the other or experience several all at once. If responses and reactions like the ones described here continue months after the traumatic event or if they are interfering with your work or personal life, it's important to seek help.

Coping and finding help
Here are ways to cope and find help so that you feel more in control following a traumatic event:

• Get support from people you love and trust. Talking about the event with people who make you feel safe can help you process and feel more in control.

• Give yourself time. Post-traumatic stress is your mind's way of trying to make sense of a traumatic event. It's not a sign of personal weakness if you are having symptoms like the ones described here. Be patient with yourself and ask others to be patient, too.

• Try not to compare yourself with others. Everyone reacts differently to traumatic experiences.

• Avoid using alcohol or nonprescription drugs to handle your emotions.

• Take care of yourself. Eat well-balanced meals, get rest, and try to get some exercise.

• Write down your feelings. Some people find that it helps to write down their feelings, especially before they go to bed.

• Consider joining a support group. Talking with others who have gone through traumatic experiences can be helpful, especially if you don't have supportive friends and family nearby.

• Seek professional help if you are not yourself. It's important to seek professional help right away if you are experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, or despair, or if you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide. There is treatment for post-traumatic stress and talking with a professional can help. Seek help if you are arguing with people, having trouble getting along with others, or are feeling more aggressive, irritable, or frustrated than usual. Seek help if you are having trouble functioning well at work or at home, or if your personal relationships are suffering. Seek help if you are drinking more, abusing drugs, can't sleep, or if you "don't know what's wrong." (Use the resources listed at the end of this article to find help.)

Post-traumatic stress and children
Children experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress just as adults do. If a child has witnessed an act of violence or a terrifying event like a hurricane, flood, or an accident, or has experienced the sudden loss of a family member or friend, he or she may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Here are the signs to watch for in children:

• sleep disturbances or nightmares

• headaches or stomachaches

• eating problems

• not wanting to go to school

• withdrawing from others

• not wanting to play or be with friends

• fear of being left alone or fearfulness about leaving the home or the family

• being easily startled (by loud noises, the sound of sirens, or by other reminders of the painful event)

• a drop in grades

• repetitive play in which themes or aspects of the trauma are expressed

• anger and irritability

• sadness and depression

• denial that the event happened or that the person is gone

• uncontrollable crying

• a return to child-like behavior like bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, or not wanting to sleep alone

If one or more of the above symptoms continues for months or more following a traumatic event, this can be of sign of post-traumatic stress. Treatment helps and talking with a professional can help children recover from a traumatic event. A professional can suggest ways to provide support at home for your child -- for example, by suggesting bedtime routines to help your child feel less afraid. (Use the resources listed at the end of this article to find help.)

Post-traumatic stress and painful anniversaries
Many people find that anniversaries or other reminders of a traumatic event can be very difficult to get through. A painful reminder or anniversary can trigger buried emotions, sad memories, and feelings of anxiety and fear. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress can feel stronger and more intense on a painful anniversary.

Here are some ways to cope around an anniversary or other significant date associated with a traumatic event:

• Remember that the day or preceding days will be stressful and difficult. Find ways to make yourself as comfortable as possible during a very uncomfortable time.

• Talk with friends or family about how you might mark the day or days together in a positive way. Do something that provides a sense of connection to people who are important to you. A remembrance activity or ritual can be helpful, such as planting a flowering shrub or writing a poem. Or, you might attend a religious service together if that is part of your tradition.

• Talk with other people who have lived through similar experiences. This can help you feel less alone.

• Make time for activities that give you pleasure and help relieve stress, such as exercising, playing with your pet, or spending time with family or friends.

• Stay close or in touch with family and friends that day so you can offer support to one another.

• Limit how much TV and Internet coverage you watch. Media coverage of traumatic events can intensify strong emotions.

• Talk with a professional if you are worried about the anniversary day and how you will cope.

Resources
Remember that treatment and talking with a professional can help if you or someone you love is experiencing post-traumatic stress. Many medications are helpful as well in lessening the uncomfortable and distressing symptoms. A professional can help you recover from trauma and feel better.

The following resources can provide help for service members and for their families.

Your installation's support services
Depending on your service branch, your Fleet and Family Support Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Airman and Family Readiness Center, or Army Community Service Center can provide support as you go through this difficult time.

Source:
http://www.militaryonesource.com.
 

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