We wanted to know some signs and symptoms of PTSD, and we found great info via Veteran’s Affairs. PTSD can affect anybody who has been exposed to a traumatic experience and should never be ignored.
“PTSD is a psychological response to the experience of intense traumatic events, particularly those that threaten life. It can affect people of any age, culture or gender.
Intrusive symptoms of PTSD:
- Distressing memories or images of the incident
- Nightmares of the event or other frightening themes
- Flashbacks (reliving the event)
- Becoming upset when reminded of the incident
- Physical symptoms, such as sweating, increased heart rate, or muscle tension when reminded of the event
PTSD avoidance/numbing symptoms:
- Trying to avoid any reminders of the trauma, such as thoughts, feelings, conversations activities, places and people
- Gaps in memory– Forgetting parts of the experience
- Losing interest in normal activities
- Feeling cut-off or detached from loved ones
- Feeling flat or numb
- Difficulty imagining a future
Arousal symptoms of PTSD:
- Sleep disturbance
- Anger and irritability
- Concentration problems
- Constantly on the look-out for signs of danger
- Jumpy, easily startled
It is important to understand that PTSD often is linked to an overwhelming experience, or series of events, that is hard to accept or understand. It doesn’t fit with our view of the world or ourselves– the way we think things are or should be. ”
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Source: Veteran’s Affairs Canada
(http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/health/mental-health/publications/ptsd-wars ress)