Articles

To mark National PTSD Awareness Day, here is a list of post-traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms. The goal of providing this list is to help people recognize the signs of PTSD. As a major provider in California of mental health services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) prioritizes the treatment of PTSD patients. Indeed, given the number of U.S. Veterans exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms, TTC works closely to offer therapeutic services and support.

Five Examples of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Here are five examples of significant post-traumatic stress disorder signs or symptoms. If you or a loved one has PTSD, the best course of action is to reach out for professional help. Thus, TTC works hard to ensure that PTSD patients recover and marks the importance of National PTSD Awareness Day. After all, why should you have your life dominated by a traumatic event that is now in the past?

1) Tormented by Memories of a Past Traumatic Event

Across the board, people that have PTSD are tormented by a past traumatic event. However, it is essential to note that these events are not always experienced first-hand. Indeed, PTSD often is a result of experiencing a traumatic event vicariously. For example, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 led to trauma for people who were not present at the actual events and who were never in real physical danger. Thus, feelings and actuality are two vastly different realities when it comes to post-traumatic stress disorder signs.

2) Afflicted by Nightmares and Persistent Insomnia

Without question, sleep issues are characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms. After experiencing a traumatic event, the fearful memories often arise in the quiet of the night when a person is most alone. Thus, even when they are married or living with someone, PTSD sleep issues are often severe. Since post-traumatic signs and symptoms lurk in the depths of the unconscious, the worst manifestations often arise in nightmares. Hence, such nightmares fuel anxiety at night, leading to sleeplessness and anxiety.

3) Heightened Anxiety Disorder, Hypervigilance, and Avoidance

Overall, generalized anxiety disorder is far from uncommon in the 21st century. However, with people suffering from PTSD, heightened anxiety disorder that feels intensified is a definitive example of post-traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms. Hence, such a heightened anxiety disorder manifests as hypervigilance. Irrationally fearful of experiencing a traumatic event again, the PTSD patient takes extreme steps to avoid being hurt. Therefore, they end up existing in an almost prison-like environment of limited choices and closed doors.

4) Extreme and Unexpected Mood Swings

Many post-traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms are deeply internalized. As mentioned above, they often reside in the unconscious. Thus, PTSD patients have big mood swings that do not seem to connect to reality. They shift from a normative state of hanging out to an overwhelming sense of dread without an apparent reason. As a note, for family members of PTSD patients, please do your best not to take such mood swings personally. When overcome in the swell of a PTSD wave, a person’s emotions are beyond their control.

5) Emotional Numbness and a Difficulty Expressing Feelings

A difficult-to-understand aspect of PTSD is how it affects people in such contradictory ways. At one point, a person with PTSD might be subject to extreme mood swings with heightened anxiety. However, that person may also feel an emotional numbness, finding it hard to express their feelings. In terms of PTSD, such a state is known as shutting down. Overwhelmed by PTSD flashback, a person shuts down, a protective response like a turtle going into their shell. Also, such a deadening reaction is not personal and is treatable.

Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Although the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder seem overwhelming, effective treatment is available. Indeed, to access real help, please contact the clinical professionals at Tarzana Treatment Centers today. From experience and based on expertise, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.