Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event — either experiencing or witnessing it. Most people who go through traumatic events may have difficulty adjusting and coping with life afterwards. They may feel sad or helpless. They may feel anxious or scared, even when they are not in any real danger. These feelings can affect their daily activities and relationships. However, it is possible to get better with time, good self-care, and proper treatment. Let’s explore this in more detail.
What types of events cause PTSD?
PTSD can develop after any traumatic event in a person’s life. These types of events include, but are not limited to:
- military service
- natural disasters
- serious accidents
- terrorist attacks
- loss of a loved one, whether or not this involved violence
- Rape, domestic violence, or other types of abuse
- being a victim of crime, for example, being robbed
Any situation that triggers fear, shock, horror, or helplessness can lead to PTSD. Doctors are not entirely sure why some people get PTSD and others may not. However, as with most mental health problems, PTSD is usually caused by a complex mix of different factors. These factors can include:
- Stressful experiences, including the amount and severity of trauma you’ve gone through in your life before the actual PTSD-causing event
- Inherited mental health risks, such as a family history of anxiety and depression
- Personality traits — often called your temperament
- The way your brain regulates the chemicals and hormones your body releases in response to stress
How Trauma Changes the Brain?
You know that trauma can affect our mental health, but you may not know the science behind what actually goes on in our brains that causes these adverse symptoms. Trauma can have profound effects on the brain, particularly on the areas responsible for regulating emotions, memories, and stress responses.
In this section, we’ll explore the ways that trauma affects the brain and what this means for individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
- Hyperarousal: This is the state of being constantly on high alert, which can lead to intense feelings of anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. The brain’s stress response system, which is responsible for activating the fight or flight response, becomes overactive in response to trauma. This can result in an ongoing state of hyperarousal, even when there is no immediate threat present.
- Changes in the hippocampus: The hippocampus is responsible for processing and storing memories, particularly long-term memories. Trauma can cause changes in the hippocampus, which can affect an individual’s ability to recall and process memories. Some individuals may experience memory loss or difficulty remembering specific details of the traumatic event. Additionally, trauma can cause the hippocampus to shrink, which can lead to difficulties with learning and memory in general.
- Changes in the prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation. Trauma can cause changes in the prefrontal cortex, which can lead to difficulties with these functions. Individuals may have difficulty making decisions, controlling impulses, and regulating emotions in response to trauma.
Recognizing PSTD symptoms in yourself and others
Think you may be suffering from PTSD? Here is a list of symptoms that you can use to evaluate yourself. If you are experiencing 2 or more of these, you may have PTSD.
- Intrusive thoughts: Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing memories of the traumatic event that keep coming back to you, sometimes making you feel like you are reliving the event.
- Avoidance: You may avoid anything that reminds you of the traumatic event, such as people, places, or activities.
- Negative thoughts and feelings: You may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or blame, and struggle with negative thoughts about yourself, the world, and other people.
- Hyperarousal: You may feel constantly on edge, easily startled, and have trouble sleeping or concentrating.
- Flashbacks: You may have vivid and intense memories of the traumatic event that make you feel like you are reliving the experience.
Think someone you know may be struggling with PTSD? Here are the symptoms to look for in others:
- Withdrawal: People with PTSD may become withdrawn, avoid social interactions, and isolate themselves from friends and family.
- Mood changes: PTSD can cause a range of emotional changes, including irritability, anger, anxiety, and depression.
- Avoidance: Similar to those experiencing PTSD themselves, someone with PTSD may avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event.
- Hypervigilance: People with PTSD may be easily startled, constantly on the lookout for danger, and have difficulty sleeping.
- Substance use: Some people with PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, and symptoms can vary widely between individuals.
PTSD Treatment
Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and self-help strategies. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can help alleviate some of the symptoms of PTSD.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help individuals with PTSD to manage their symptoms, reduce avoidance behaviors, and process the traumatic event in a safe and supportive environment.
Self-help strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and support groups, can also be effective in managing PTSD symptoms and improving overall mental health.
Overall, getting help from a professional is one of the best ways to help you overcome trauma and stop it from taking over your life.
So, what’s next?
Based on what we’ve explored in this article, PTSD can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s essential that you seek help from a mental health professional. Because with the right treatment and support, individuals with PTSD can learn to manage their symptoms and get back to living happy and fulfilling lives.
At Newport Beach Trauma Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals overcome trauma and restoring their lives. Connect with us!