Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health diagnosis that can arise after experiencing or seeing a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, war, accident, sexual assault, or physical abuse. It’s marked by flashbacks or nightmares; avoidance of what triggers memories of the traumatic event; anger, fear, guilt, shame, or negative beliefs about the world or oneself; and an increased startle response or difficulty sleeping. Those with childhood trauma, feelings of helplessness or fear during the traumatic event, who have little to no support after the event, or who have a mental illness or substance use are at higher risk for PTSD. A diagnosis of PTSD includes symptoms that last for more than a month and disrupt day-to-day situations, and PTSD can increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.
Antidepressants and talk therapies, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help those with PTSD process thoughts and emotions in a safe space to reduce symptoms, especially those that interfere with daily life.
Deb Falzoi
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