PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
What is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat, assault, accidents, disasters, or other serious events. People with PTSD may relive the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoid situations that remind them of the event, have negative changes in thoughts and mood, and feel constantly on edge.
Symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Intrusive memories and flashbacks
- Nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma
- Avoiding places, activities, or people that trigger memories
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems, including not remembering aspects of the trauma
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger (hypervigilance)
- Trouble sleeping and concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Self-destructive behavior
Impact on Caregivers
Caring for someone with PTSD requires understanding, patience, and flexibility. Triggers can be unpredictable, and symptoms may fluctuate. Caregivers need to balance supporting their loved one while maintaining their own mental health, as secondary trauma can affect caregivers.
Steps to Take
- 1Learn about PTSD and its triggers
- 2Encourage professional treatment (therapy, medication)
- 3Create a safe, calm home environment
- 4Be patient—recovery takes time
- 5Learn to recognize triggers and warning signs
- 6Don't pressure them to talk about the trauma
- 7Support their treatment plan without taking over
- 8Help maintain routines and healthy habits
- 9Be prepared for setbacks—they're normal
- 10Take care of your own mental health
- 11Consider therapy for yourself if affected by secondary trauma