The Increasing Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health issue that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a frighteningincident. Individuals suffering from this disorder can complain of a variety of symptoms including flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares and even thinking uncontrollably about the event.

Various individuals who go through traumas have temporary difficulties in adjusting and coping with the event, but not all fall victims to PTSD; they often recover with time and good care. However, if the symptoms get worse or last for long periods such as months, they point to the presence of PTSD.

It is approximated that 1 in every 52 people in the United States suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. The number is also increasing by around 3.6% every year.

Symptoms

PTSD symptoms usually start off within three months of the traumatic incident. However, it is also possible that the symptoms do not appear until years after the event. These symptoms can adversely impact both social and work life.

The various types of PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:

Intrusive Memories 

There are various symptoms that fall into this category, they include:

• Recurring, distressing and unwanted memories
• Flashbacks; the feeling of reliving the entire event
• Nightmares or disturbing dreams about the event

Negative effects on thinking and mood

The negative thinking and mood effects include

• Feeling negative towards oneself or other people
• Unable to experience any positive emotions
• Experiencing difficulty in maintaining close relationships

Avoidance

The symptoms related to avoidance include:

• Trying hard to refrain from talking about the event or thinking of it
• Avoiding, people, places or anything that reminds of the event

Emotional Reactions

There are various changes that may occur in emotional reactions. They include:

• Aggressive behavior or anger outbursts
• Extraordinary feeling of guilt and shame
• Lack of Concentration
• Sleeping troubles

These symptoms can vary from time to time and usually peak when the individual is faced by situations that remind them of the traumatic event.

When to seek Medical Advice

If disturbing feelings and thoughts last for more than a month or are so severe that they do not allow the individual to get his/her life back on track, it is necessary to talk to a medical professional. The earlier the medical advice is sought, the less the chances of PTSD from getting worse.

About the Company

Timeless Loving Care Foundation is an international non profit organizations that assists people in grief, facing terminal illness, and recovering from the battlefield by providing support through education and training, spiritual connection, along with providing practical services as well as sharing ideas through literature, the arts, and entertainment. They are focused on helping people work through the various stages of grief.