Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event by either experiencing it or witnessing it. Many people who go through traumatic events may have difficulties adjusting or coping after the event. The symptoms can be severe and can last for months or even years.

Symptoms

• Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over again.
• Racing heart and sweating
• Bad dreams (May be a recurring dream about the event)
• Frightening thoughts
• Avoiding places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
• Being easily startled
• Feeling tense or on edge
• Difficulty sleeping
• Angry outbursts
• Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
• Feelings of guilt or blame
• Loss of interest in activities or things that you once enjoyed

Treatments

The main treatments for PTSD are medications, psychotherapy or a combination of both. PTSD affects people differently, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Some people with PTSD need to try different treatments to find out what works for their specific symptoms.

Along with medical treatments, there are many ways that one can help the healing process of PTSD.

• Talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you
• Exercise regularly to help reduce stress
• Keep goal setting realistic
• Break up large tasks into small ones, try not to do too much at once
• Confide in a trusted friend or relative. Tell others about things that may trigger symptoms
• Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately
• Identify and seek out comforting situations, places, and people

Remember that asking for help does not mean that you are weak. It means that you are strong enough to get better and become the best version of yourself you can be, not only for you, but for everyone around you.