Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a serious mental health condition that can develop after being involved with a distressing event. Symptoms usually appear within a month, but sometimes not until months or even years later. The severity also varies: symptoms can be intermittent or constant.
PTSD is increasingly understood. Recent scientific advances have revealed specific biological and genetic changes in the brains of people with PTSD, although the condition’s full neurobiological mechanisms are still not clear.
There are hundreds of UK organisations dedicated to helping victims of PTSD wherever they may be. Mental health training courses Swansea, for example, are as easy to find as equivalent services in towns and cities all over the country, offered by providers like //www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/swansea/.
Re-experiencing
One highly recognisable sign is experiencing the trauma over again, in nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts and images. Such memories are often accompanied by physical sensations like trembling, nausea or sweating. People may also struggle with feelings of guilt or shame.
Avoidance
Another common feature is avoidance and emotional numbing. Individuals may steer clear of places, people or conversations that bring back the trauma. They might feel detached, withdrawn, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed as a way of shutting down painful emotions.
Hyperanxiety
PTSD is also linked to hyperarousal, a state of heightened anxiety that leaves people feeling constantly “on edge.” Irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating and problems sleeping are common.
Children
Children can also develop PTSD, sometimes re-enacting the event through play.
If symptoms last beyond a month, medical advice is strongly recommended.
