Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition that occurs after witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. According to research, about 7% of United States citizens develop this condition in their lifetime. The anxiety and memories of the experiences make it difficult for a person to carry on with day-to-day activities effectively. Boston Mindcare, PC offers PTSD treatments and other conditions that affect the mind. Book an appointment today.
What are the causes of PTSD?
Much of the time, PTSD is caused by trauma. Traumatic events include:
- Accidents: According to the CDC’s research, there were over 32,000 deaths in 2013 on American roads. Those who survive these accidents suffer injuries and have a hard time coping with what they saw or experienced.
- Physical assault: People from families that are prone to domestic violence often develop PTSD due to the physical abuse they go through from time to time. Also, a child who witnesses these things will most likely have this condition if not properly counseled. Sexual abuse, especially in the childhood stage, can have similar effects.
- Health issues: Having certain health issues that result in admission in the intensive care unit has been found to cause trauma to the patients.
- Childbirth experiences: Some mothers may develop PTSD after childbirth. Additionally, mothers who lose children at childbirth or experience miscarriages before childbirth have difficulty coping with the events. Without proper care, they develop this condition.
- Conflicts: People who have been in wars have developed symptoms of PTSD after experiencing traumatic events in the field. They may also be victims of torture, thereby suffering from PTSD. According to research, nearly a third of people who have had trauma develop PTSD.
What are the symptoms?
- Intrusive memories: People with PTSD have recurring memories of the event they went through. They will have vivid flashbacks as if it is happening all over again. At times, it will be in their dreams as nightmares. Whenever they come across something that reminds them of the experiences, the memories come back. Doctors recommend that these people avoid anything or places that remind them of the events.
- Negative moods: People with PTSD, even before they are aware of it, will most likely find themselves having negative feelings about almost everything. They will lose hope about the future and find it hard to maintain long term relationships. Additionally, such individuals avoid events they previously used to enjoy and do not see anything positive in life.
- Emotional reactions: PTSD affects the mind, making an individual easily frightened or always having feelings of being in danger. Additionally, they have problems with sleep and concentration and are easily irritated. To cope with these symptoms, they find themselves indulging in self-destructive behavior like driving unreasonably fast and drinking too much.
Sometimes, the symptoms will not be too severe, and you will be able to get back in control. However, others may be too disturbing that victims find it hard to continue performing simple activities they easily managed before. If the symptoms continue for more than one month, patients should seek medical assistance. Otherwise, it may make them have suicidal thoughts. Do not suffer in silence. Book an appointment with Boston MindCare today.
