Fear, grief, and fury are all common reactions that people feel after experiencing a horrific event. People who have been through severe or life-threatening experiences may find it difficult to return to their normal lives.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and ASD (Acute Stress Disorder) have both been connected to traumatic situations. Thankfully, there are numerous effective psychological and physiological treatment alternatives available to those who have difficulty processing traumatic life events.
Read on to discover more about PTSD and ASD today.
Understanding PTSD
A patient may be diagnosed with PTSD if symptoms persist for more than a month following a stressful experience. PTSD can arise from a single traumatic experience or from a series of stressful situations. War veterans, police officers, and paramedics are among the most common patients who are diagnosed with this disorder.
Understanding ASD
Traumatic events have the potential to cause ASD in as little as a few days or weeks. Symptoms might last anywhere from three days to one month after the triggering event.
The 4 Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
Both PTSD and ASD have common symptoms, although those symptoms might linger for varying lengths of time. Here are the four common symptoms to watch out for:
1. The Episodes of Re-Experiencing Trauma
This is manifested as nightmares, strong memories, and flashbacks. When a person’s memory of an incident is awakened, they may experience a range of strong emotions as well as body signs such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or even terror.
2. The Avoidance of Traumatic Memories
The individual will wish to avoid their memories, feelings, activities, places, and other people.
3. The Changes in Attitude and Thinking
The affected person may feel depressed or numb and may no longer enjoy their activities. A common symptom is feelings of embarrassment, rage, or terror. Other common symptoms include disconnection from reality, difficulty remembering, and memory issues.
4. The Bouts with Anxiety and Agitation
The person may feel “on edge” or restless, and they may have difficulty relaxing, sleeping, or concentrating. It’s probable they’re annoyed or even enraged.
The Underlying Causes of PTSD and ASD
Traumatic situations might be encountered either directly or indirectly. The great majority of survivors of traumatic experiences do not develop PTSD or ASD. However, a person with a history of traumatic events, mental health concerns, or exposure to stressful environments may be at a higher risk of developing PTSD or ASD.
Automobile accidents, sexual assault, physical assaults or threats, war, terrorism, torture, natural catastrophes, death, or serious injury can all serve as triggers and causes for PTSD and ASD.
Seeking Medical Attention for Trauma
There are activities you may do after a stressful experience to help you cope, but if you find yourself unable to return to your normal routine, you should visit a mental health expert. First, talk to your healthcare provider about your options. They may recommend that you consult with a clinical psychologist to develop coping methods for traumatic experiences. Your healthcare physician may refer you to a psychiatrist, who will be able to prescribe medication to assist in alleviating your symptoms.
Conclusion
Indeed, trauma is something that is difficult to deal with. Even after receiving professional counselling, it may be difficult to talk about a terrible incident. As such, it is critical to reach out to mental health professionals who have past experience working with traumatised individuals. They are the key people who can empathise with your situation and help you overcome your struggles.
If you are in need of mental health support services, Norwest Clinic is the place where you can seek professional help. We are here to support all patients who are in great mental distress. Contact us today!
