Most people have heard about post-traumatic stress. The cold realities of this particular mental illness came to light, when soldiers come home and still continue to live the nightmares of their experiences. However, the disorder can actually happen to anyone who witnesses, or lives through, a particularly terrifying situation. For some people, the symptoms are so pronounced that it is difficult to function in life. So, it is extremely important to get help living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand the reality of this mental illness. At first they may be kind and understanding. But, after a while, patience is gone and they feel it is time to get over it already. Maybe over time, some people can adjust and learn to live a normal life again. For others, the devastation to their mental health is so severe; the only way to realize a productive and happy life is through treatment.
The Mayo Clinic staff defines it this way:
Many people who are involved in traumatic events have a brief period of difficulty adjusting and coping. But with time and healthy coping methods, such traumatic reactions usually get better. In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. Sometimes they may completely disrupt your life. In these cases, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder.
No one, who truly suffers from this mental disorder, can have a good quality of life without professional help. The pain and scars simply run to deep. It is much more than frequent period of melancholy. In fact, according to this learned group of health care professionals, the list of post-traumatic stress disorder is long:
- Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time
- Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
Symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing may include:
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Symptoms of anxiety and increased emotional arousal may include:
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
- Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
- Trouble sleeping
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Hearing or seeing things that aren't there
- Irritability or anger
Although flashbacks and bad dreams are the most common symptom attributed to this mental health disorder, this extensive list shows how trauma can permeate every aspect of a normal life. Victims of war and serious crime will likely need a professional helping hand, in order to be integrated back into a normal life.
Why you need Help
Have you ever heard: “pride goes before the fall”? Sometimes, great people can be so stubborn. How many people do not get the help needed, because they believe they can take care of it? Even if it is something as serious as learning to live with post-traumatic stress disorder, why do individuals refuse available help, and live even one more day than necessary in abject misery?
If you or someone you love suffers from this mental disorder, the time to get help is now. Do not wait another day! Help does not mean weakness. Anyone who has had to live with a similar trauma is probably in the same boat, or was before they got help.
Do not let this disorder control life. Unless people with PTSD get help, it is a strong possibility individuals will seek relief in alcohol or drugs. In addition, people with the disorder are more likely to suffer from eating disorders or contemplate suicide.
Treatment for PTSD
Individuals that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder do not have to live in misery and fear of the next flashback or terrifying dream. A doctor does have medication options that will help with the medication. In addition, there is medicine available to stop the receptors in the brain from creating dreams. It is amazing how a good night’s sleep can help PTSD sufferers cope with the stress and anxiety they face on a daily basis.
But, what do you do with the days that are filled with flashbacks and memories that haunt the waking hours. For some folks, working, socializing with friends, or any of the other activities that most people take for granted, are impossible. Then, it is time for psychotherapy.
While many people think it is a sign of weakness to go to therapy, the exact opposite is actually true. It takes a lot of strength to admit help is needed. But, it is a great release to talk about traumatic experiences. Sometimes, group therapies are also helpful, because it is comforting to meet other people who totally understand what it feels like to have PTSD and live through unimaginable terror.
In short, living with PTSD is possible. If you or someone you love has been suffering, do not accept it as your lot in life. Treatments are available to help bring life back to a normal and productive state. Life may actually be enjoyable again.