Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster, a serious accident, sexual assault, or other threats to life or safety. People with PTSD often relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. They may feel intense fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, or shame related to the trauma. PTSD can cause a variety of emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s life.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
There are four main types of PTSD symptoms:
- Reliving the traumatic event – Having intrusive and recurrent memories or flashbacks about the trauma. These memories can seem very real and cause intense emotional and physical reactions.
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma – Avoiding people, places, activities, objects, situations, or even thoughts associated with the trauma. This avoidance behavior is an attempt to numb painful emotions.
- Negative thoughts and feelings – Having ongoing and distorted negative beliefs about oneself or the world. Feeling fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame related to the trauma.
- Arousal and reactivity – Being easily irritated or angered. Recklessness or self-destructive behavior. Being constantly on guard. Having an exaggerated startle response. Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and make it difficult for someone with PTSD to function normally in daily life. The symptoms generally start within 3 months of the traumatic event but may not appear until months or years later. PTSD symptoms often occur in cycles with periods of exacerbation and remission.
What emotions do people with PTSD commonly experience?
People with PTSD frequently experience a wide range of difficult emotions related to their trauma, including:
- Fear and anxiety – A feeling of intense fear, panic, or dread. Hypervigilance and being constantly “on edge.” Phobias related to the trauma.
- Anger – Feeling rage, irritation, or aggression over the trauma. Outbursts of anger. Violent or reckless behavior.
- Guilt and shame – Intense feelings of guilt over acts committed or not prevented during the trauma. Feeling responsible or blaming oneself. Shame over what occurred.
- Sadness and grief – Feeling depressed, hopeless, numb, or disconnected from life. Intense grief over losses associated with the trauma.
- Emptiness – Feeling detached, isolated, or disconnected from others and everyday life activities.
- Hopelessness – Having a negative view of the future. Feeling like things will never get better. Thoughts of suicide.
These difficult emotions can be overwhelming for someone with PTSD. They may employ avoidant behaviors to numb the painful feelings. This avoidance then prevents them from processing the emotions and trauma in a healthy way.
What physical symptoms or sensations do people with PTSD experience?
In addition to emotional symptoms, PTSD can cause a wide variety of physical symptoms and bodily sensations, including:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Being easily startled or feeling “on edge”
- Muscle tension, aches, or pains
- Rapid heart rate and shortness of breath
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Sweating and chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- “Pins and needles” sensations
- Numbness or loss of coordination
These physical symptoms are caused by the body’s automatic stress “fight or flight” response. The amygdala triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic activation of this response keeps the body in a constant state of anxiety.
Additionally, trauma impacts the nervous system. PTSD sufferers may experience problems with the vagus nerve that connects the brain and body. This impairs communication between the nervous system and other bodily processes.
How does PTSD impact a person’s view of themselves?
PTSD can dramatically impact a person’s sense of self and self-esteem in the following ways:
- Feeling permanently damaged or “broken” by the trauma
- Losing a sense of safety, trust, or security in themselves and the world
- Doubting their ability to handle problems or perform competently
- Viewing themselves as fragile, vulnerable, or inadequate
- Blaming themselves for the trauma or things they did/didn’t do
- Believing they deserved what happened to them
- Feeling tainted, corrupted, or seriously impacted by the trauma
- Having an overall negative self-concept and poor self-worth
This negative view of self can stem from the powerlessness and loss of control experienced during a trauma. PTSD sufferers may inaccurately attribute the trauma to their own weakness or character flaws. Healing involves recognizing unhealthy self-perceptions and rebuilding a more balanced sense of self-identity.
What social or relationship problems can PTSD cause?
PTSD can profoundly impact a person’s social functioning and relationships with others. Some common effects include:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Avoiding social situations or activities
- Feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or alienated from others
- Difficulty relating to or empathizing with those not affected by trauma
- Detachment or estrangement from family and friends
- Loss of interest in intimacy or sexual relations
- Difficulty trusting, being vulnerable, or getting close to others
- Social anxiety or phobias
- Verbal or physical aggression
- Self-destructive behaviors like addiction or risky sexual behavior
The person’s support system often suffers due to their PTSD symptoms. Loved ones can feel hurt, frustrated, or helpless. Relationships require rebuilding trust, communication, and intimacy. Peer support groups can help both PTSD sufferers and their loved ones feel less alone.
How does having PTSD impact a person’s work life or ability to work?
PTSD can significantly impair someone’s ability to work and function in an occupational setting. Common work-related problems include:
- Absenteeism due to avoiding triggers or PTSD symptoms
- Conflicts with bosses or coworkers
- Problems concentrating, learning new duties, or handling complex tasks
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
- Difficulty coping with work stress or pressure
- Limited frustration tolerance
- Forgetting important instructions, details, or procedures
- Making errors or having accidents due to impaired focus
- Anger, irritability, or inappropriate emotional reactions
- Isolation or lack of communication
- Panic attacks or flashbacks while at work
Unemployment rates for those with PTSD are very high. Many are unable to work at all or can only manage part-time or low-stress jobs. Getting appropriate treatment and workplace accommodations is key to improving functioning.
How does PTSD impact a person’s physical health?
The chronic stress of PTSD takes a heavy toll on physical health. Having PTSD correlates to higher incidence of the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Sexual dysfunction
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Premature aging
The immune system and inflammation regulation is impaired. Chronic stress and anxiety cause wear and tear on the cardiovascular system. Those with PTSD engage in more health-risk behaviors like smoking, drug use, unsafe sex, and poor self-care. Getting treatment for PTSD can help prevent the development of these associated medical problems.
What are some behaviors and habits that are common with PTSD?
People with PTSD frequently develop unhealthy coping behaviors or habits in an effort to manage their trauma-related symptoms and distress. Some common examples include:
- Excessive drug, alcohol, or prescription medication use
- Isolation or avoidance of social interaction
- Overeating or failure to eat
- Aggression, rage, or violent behavior
- Risky sexual behavior
- Obsessive working or overdedication to tasks
- Compulsive behaviors like hand-washing
- Self-harm behaviors like cutting
- Suicidal thinking or suicide attempts
- Withdrawing from relationships and responsibilities
- Oversleeping or inability to sleep
- Thrill-seeking or reckless behaviors
While these behaviors provide temporary relief or escapism, they usually create additional problems over the long-term. Addressing unsafe habits and teaching healthier coping skills is an important part of PTSD treatment.
How does PTSD affect a person’s outlook on life?
PTSD can profoundly impact someone’s overall perspective in the following ways:
- Viewing the world as dangerous and people as untrustworthy
- Believing another trauma could happen at any time
- Feeling life has lost meaning or purpose
- Loss of hope or optimism about the future
- A foreshortened sense of future (not expecting to live a full life)
- Feeling permanently damaged or unable to recover
- Difficulty feeling pleasure or happiness
- Detachment or estrangement from others
- Avoiding or retreat from normal life activities
- Thoughts that one would be “better off dead”
PTSD can shatter a person’s basic assumptions about themselves and the world. Their psyche attempts to adapt to the trauma by becoming hypervigilant about threats. Treatment aims to restore a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to life.
What types of therapy help someone recover from PTSD?
The most effective PTSD treatments are trauma-focused psychotherapy approaches like:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – Helps modify unhealthy thoughts about the trauma.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy – Gradually exposes the person to trauma reminders in a safe setting.
- EMDR – Uses eye movements while recalling the trauma to process memories.
- Group Therapy – Connects with other trauma survivors for support.
- Psychodynamic Therapy – Uncovers unconscious emotions about the trauma.
Medications like SSRIs or SNRIs may help treat symptoms alongside therapy. Addressing any substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or anger issues also aids recovery. The person must feel emotionally safe to re-process their traumatic memories and emotions.
What lifestyle changes help someone manage PTSD?
Making positive lifestyle changes enhances PTSD treatment and coping. Helpful strategies include:
- Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Eating a healthy, nutritious diet
- Getting enough sleep and maintaining a schedule
- Journaling or creative expression through art, music, etc.
- Spending time outdoors in nature
- Making time for fun hobbies and social activities
- Setting small, achievable goals each day
- Joining a support group to connect with others
- Seeking counseling or peer support if needed
Avoiding isolation, staying active, reducing stress, and caring for one’s body and mind all help counteract PTSD symptoms. A healthy lifestyle fortifies mental resilience.
What complications are associated with PTSD?
If left untreated, PTSD can lead to a number of additional medical, psychological, social, and occupational problems. Common complications include:
- Major depression or anxiety disorders
- Alcohol/drug abuse and addiction
- Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia
- Behavioral disorders
- Psychosomatic illnesses
- Personality disorders
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Violence or legal problems
- Homelessness
- Unemployment
- Poverty and debt
- Strained relationships
- Social isolation
PTSD sufferers have higher utilization rates of medical services and disability assistance. Early intervention provides the best chance for full recovery before complications arise.
| Type of Complication | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical | Chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes |
| Psychological | Depression, substance abuse, suicide |
| Occupational | Unemployment, absenteeism, lost productivity |
| Social | Isolation, estrangement from family/friends, poverty |
| Behavioral | Violence, crime, reckless behaviors |
Conclusion
Living with PTSD can be an extremely painful, disruptive, and challenging experience. The trauma survivor often struggles with intense emotional and physical distress around memories of the event. They may feel permanently scarred or changed by what happened. Relationships, work, health, and overall quality of life frequently suffer.
Yet while PTSD is a severe condition, many people can achieve full remission with comprehensive treatment and support. By confronting their traumatic memories in a therapeutic setting, they can process their emotions, make meaning from the experience, and integrate it into their life narrative. With time, support, and perseverance, survivors can regain their sense of safety in the world and rebuild a life of purpose and joy. There is hope.