Most people think of PTSD ( post traumatic stress disorder) as something that only battle harden soldiers live with. The fact is anyone can suffer from PTSD, it just takes the right circumstances and stressors. In light of recent tornado's and floods in the United States, and earthquakes in Japan there is a high percentage of people suffering from PTSD. You may be suffering from it right now and not know it or what the symptoms are. If you have experienced a life changing disaster or accident you could have all the signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Listed below are some diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
- Traumatic Stressor: A person has been exposed to a traumatic event such as tornado,earthquake,war.
- Re-experiencing: The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in the persons life.It could be experienced in dreams,thoughts, images,and by acting out of ones feelings.
- Avoidance and numbing: Persistent avoidance of anything associated with the trauma and a numbing feeling whenever one is feeling or thinking about the trauma.
- Hyperarousah: Persistent symptoms of increased arousal as indicated by not being able to fall asleep, outbursts of anger, startle response.
If you are experiencing any of these diagnostic criteria you could be suffering from PTSD. Please check with your doctor and let them determine if you have PTSD. It is important not to ignore these symptoms because they can only get worse. There is effective treatment plans for PTSD , but only if you seek diagnosis and treatment.
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