Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms, Causes, Healing
What is PTSD?
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition that develops in some individuals who have been through a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
It’s natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation, but this disorder goes beyond the immediate fear response.
People with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger, affecting their daily lives and well-being.
What Does PTSD Feels Like?
Living with this disorder can feel like being trapped in a constant state of fear and anxiety. Individuals might experience vivid flashbacks that make them feel like the traumatic event is happening all over again.
Nightmares and nocturnal panic attacks can disrupt sleep, and even small, seemingly unrelated events can trigger intense emotional and physical reactions.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can be intense and disturbing. They fall into four main categories:
- Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, and nightmares.
- Avoidance: Efforts to avoid thinking about or talking about the traumatic event, and avoiding places, activities, or people that remind them of the trauma.
- Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness about the future, memory problems, difficulty maintaining close relationships, and feeling detached from family and friends.
- Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, trouble sleeping, and irritability or angry outbursts.
Difference Between Adjustment Disorder and PTSD
Adjustment disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressful event, but the symptoms are less severe and shorter in duration compared to PTSD.
What Causes PTSD?
It can be triggered by experiencing or witnessing any life-threatening event, including:
- Combat Exposure: Military personnel and veterans often face PTSD due to the nature of their experiences.
- Physical or Sexual Assault: Survivors of violence or abuse can develop PTSD.
- Accidents: Serious accidents, such as car crashes, can be traumatic.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes can also be the cause.
- Childhood Trauma: Prolonged abuse during childhood can lead to PTSD or complex PTSD (C-PTSD).
Risk factors such as previous trauma, lack of support, additional stressors, and a family history of mental health issues can also increase the likelihood of developing post traumatic stress disorder.
Childhood PTSD - What Is It and Symptoms
Childhood PTSD occurs when children experience trauma, leading to long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Traumatic experiences can include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or losing a loved one.
Symptoms of Childhood PTSD:
- Behavioral Changes: Aggression, withdrawal, or regressive behaviors.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Problems with concentration and memory.
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, and other unexplained physical issues.
About Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly in childhood, such as chronic abuse or domestic violence. In addition to the typical symptoms, it includes difficulties with emotional regulation, a negative self-image, and relationship problems.
Complex PTSD and Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria refers to the distress experienced when an individual’s gender identity does not align with their assigned sex at birth. This mismatch can lead to significant emotional distress and discomfort.
Link Between C-PTSD and Gender Dysphoria
- Impact of Trauma: Prolonged trauma, especially during formative years, can disrupt the development of a stable self-concept. Individuals with C-PTSD may struggle with their identity, including gender identity.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Both conditions involve significant emotional distress. The chronic emotional dysregulation seen in C-PTSD can exacerbate the distress associated with gender dysphoria.
- Negative Self-Image: C-PTSD often includes feelings of worthlessness and a negative self-image, which can complicate the experience of gender dysphoria. The trauma-related negative beliefs about oneself can make it harder to accept and express one's gender identity.
- Relationship Problems: Individuals with C-PTSD often have difficulties in relationships, which the experience of gender dysphoria can further complicate. They might face additional challenges in forming supportive relationships that affirm their gender identity.
How is PTSD Diagnosed and Treated
Mental health professionals diagnose it through a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which includes discussing symptoms and how they affect daily life.
The diagnosis is based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
It is crucial to remember that not everyone who has been through a traumatic event develops PTSD, and not everyone with this condition requires therapy.
The symptoms may fade or diminish for some people over time. Others improve as a result of their support system.
However, many people with PTSD benefit from professional help to recover from severe and debilitating psychological distress.
It is vital to realize that trauma can cause a lot of pain and the person is not to blame for their distress.
It is important to note that post-traumatic stress disorder is treatable, and the sooner someone seeks treatment, the higher their chances of recovery.
There are several effective treatments for PTSD, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns associated with trauma.
- Person-Centered Therapy: Emphasizes providing a supportive environment where clients can lead their own recovery.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A psychotherapy method specialising in the processing of negative memories such that psychological stress could be relieved through directing of eye movements.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET): Involves repeated, controlled exposure to trauma-related thoughts and situations to reduce their impact.
- Imagery Rescripting: Involves changing the ending of traumatic memories in the mind to reduce their emotional impact.
- Guided Imagery: Uses visualization techniques to reduce stress and anxiety associated with PTSD.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, and commit to behavior changes.
- Medications: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms.
How to Cope
Coping with PTSD involves several strategies to help manage symptoms:
- Seek Professional Help: Therapy and medication can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumas can provide comfort and understanding.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques such as meditation and yoga can help calm the mind.
- Establish a Routine: Maintaining a daily schedule can provide a sense of normalcy and control.
- Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Substance use can worsen PTSD symptoms.
How to Help Someone with PTSD
Supporting someone with PTSD requires patience, understanding, and empathy:
- Listen Without Judgment: Allow them to express their feelings without interruption or criticism.
- Encourage Professional Help: Help them find a therapist or support group.
- Be Patient: Recovery takes time, and setbacks are part of the process.
- Provide Stability: Offer a safe, supportive environment.
Are you or a loved one struggling with PTSD and seeking effective treatment in Singapore?
At Psychology Blossom Clinic, our expert therapists are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to help you overcome the challenges of trauma.
The comprehensive PTSD treatment programs in Singapore we offer combine evidence-based therapies with a supportive environment to promote healing and recovery.
Don't let PTSD control your life any longer.
Reach out to Psychology Blossom Clinic today and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Let our experienced PTSD therapists in Singapore guide you on your journey to wellness.
150 Cecil Street #07-02
Wing on Life Building
Singapore 069543
Message: +65 8800 0554
Phone: +65 8686 8592
If you've experienced a traumatic event and struggle with the symptoms mentioned, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation.