Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

​

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD. Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.

​

Symptoms

 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social, work situations, and in relationships. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks; however symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

​

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types:​​

​

• Intrusive memories 

• Avoidance

• Negative changes in thinking and mood

• Changes in physical and emotional reactions

​

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

​

Not everyone who lives through a dangerous event develops PTSD - many factors play a part. Some of these factors are present before the trauma; others become important during and after a traumatic event.

​

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include:

​

• Being exposed to previous traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood

• Getting hurt or seeing people hurt or killed

• Feeling horror, helplessness, or extreme fear

• Having little or no social support after the event

• Dealing with extra stress after the event, such as loss of a loved one, pain and injury, or loss of a job or home

• Having a personal or family history of mental illness or substance use

​

Resilience factors that may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD include:

​

• Seeking out support from friends, family,   or support groups

• Learning to feel okay with one’s actions in response to a traumatic event

• Having a coping strategy for getting through and learning from the traumatic event

• Being prepared and able to respond to upsetting events as they occur, despite feeling fear

​

How is PTSD treated?

​

It is important for anyone with PTSD symptoms to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating PTSD. The main treatments are psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of psychotherapy and medications. A mental health professional can help people find the best treatment plan for their symptoms and needs.

​

Psychotherapy includes a variety of treatment techniques that mental health professionals use to help people identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can provide support, education, and guidance to people with PTSD.

 

Some types of psychotherapy target PTSD symptoms, while others focus on social, family, or job-related problems. Effective psychotherapies often emphasize a few key components, including learning skills to help identify triggers and manage symptoms.

​

Here are some Self-Care tips you can do to help yourself while in treatment:

​

• Talk with your health care provider about treatment options and follow your treatment plan

• Engage in exercise, mindfulness, or other activities that help reduce stress

• Try to maintain routines for meals, exercise, and sleep

• Set realistic goals and focus on what you can manage

• Spend time with trusted friends or relatives and tell them about things that may trigger symptoms

• Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately

• Avoid the use of alcohol or drugs