When something happens that is distressing, unexpected and affects the people we are close to (What causes PTSD?), most people will experience a reaction that can be unpleasant, disturbing and potentially overwhelming. This initial reaction is A NORMAL REACTION TO AN ABNORMAL EVENT. It is not a sign of weakness or vulnerability. For the majority of people, this reaction will subside over time as they gradually come to terms with the experience and its effects.
However, following a traumatic event, some people will go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is identified by three characteristic clusters of symptoms:
Intrusive recollections of the trauma
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks and intrusive images, sounds or smells
- Constantly thinking about the event
- Feeling emotional and physical distress with even small reminders of the trauma
Physiological arousal
- Ongoing Anxiety
- Feeling constantly in danger
- Feeling tearful, angry or irritable
- Concentration difficulties
- Being easily startled, jumpy or wired
- Problems in falling or staying asleep
Avoidance behaviour
- Avoiding any reminder of the event, e.g. people, places or situations
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Withdrawing from other people
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Alcohol and drug abuse