Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a reaction to a traumatic event that has occurred. Meaning, that they had witnessed an event that scarred them emotionally and lead to intense fears of horror and/or helplessness. Events such as, a car or other serious accident, physical or sexual assault, warfare or natural disasters like floods and bushfires.
People whom experience PTSD, often feel panic or extreme fear. A person with PTSD experiences four main types of difficulties:
People whom experience PTSD, often feel panic or extreme fear. A person with PTSD experiences four main types of difficulties:
- Re-living the traumatic event - the person experiences vivid images or nightmares relating to the incident
- Being overly alert or wound up - insomnia, irritability, a lack of concentration, being startled easily and always looking for signs of danger are all experienced
- Avoiding reminders of the event - activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings associated with the event are avoided as they bring back painful memories
- Feeling emotionally numb - interest in day-to-day activities are lost, the person feels detatched from friends and family, or just feels emotionally numb