According to the 5th Edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Services (DSM), an essential feature of PTSD is the development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events. While experiencing the side effects of war are certainly traumatic, they are not the only ways people can interface with traumatic circumstances. In fact, trauma can include: experiencing a serious road accident, violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery, etc. This condition can occur at any age even as early as 1 year of life with some symptoms presenting as early as 3 months after the event.
Youth and adults experiencing PTSD can experience challenges associated with managing interpersonal relationships, ecomnomic instability, difficulty achieving educational and occupational successes and higher risks of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Individuals with this condition may experience a variety of symptoms related to their specific exposure to trauma, including, but not limited to:
Persistent and Exaggerated Negative Beliefs
Feeling sad every now and then is normal, however people living with PTSD experience an exaggerated negative lens about life, and easily adopt an "everything is bad" mentality about themselves, others and the future. Their limited and negative beliefs keep them trapped and unable to move forward in their lives towards the things they want to accomplish.
Consistent and Unprovoked Irritability and Anger
Anger is not a bad feeling or emotion when properly challenged and expressed. However, PTSD can significantly impair one's ability to manage their anger causing individuals to be quick-tempered be and lash out either verbally or physically in situations that do not warrant such aggressive responses.
Avoidance
What may not know is that people who've undergone trauma rarely work tirelessly to forget the event that caused them pain. This can look like refraining from events, people or places that they may have once loved to keep from experiencing distressing memories.
PTSD impacts hundreds of people every year, including family members, colleagues and friends who secretly battle their condition daily. If you believe you or someone you love may be suffering from challenges associated with PTSD, please visit our website www.theredzone330.com and learn how our counselors and clinicians can help.
