Elle is a 15 year old girl who got hospitalized for the third time within the past two months. She reported constant worry and anxiety associated with the shooting at her high school approximately seven months prior. She experiences frequent nightmares of the shooter entering a building and shooting multiple people, leading her to avoid familiar places such as her school or other similar places. She experiences flashbacks and panic attacks pointing to the severity of her problem.
What must be the problem that Elle is suffering from?. According to the DSM, Elle is showing symptoms of what is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Here, extreme, terrifying, and stressful events that are life threatening or different from ordinary experiences can lead to PTSD.
A deep trauma is involved here such as assault, confinement, war, natural disasters, etc. 6% or 3 in every 50 American adults will have gone through PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives. Additionally, the leading cause of PTSD is sexual violence at 33%, with 94% of rape victims developing symptoms of PTSD during the first two weeks after their traumatic experience. (Center for Advancing Health, CFAH).
Experiencing anxiety and panic after traumatic incidents is a common response however, in case of PTSD, the stress symptoms fail to abate even after a long time. The traumatic event becomes established in the memory and results in a re-experiencing of the event with the same intensity. This can lead to problems in daily life and that is why treating PTSD and healing from trauma becomes extremely important.
Listed below are the signs and symptoms of PTSD, according to the DSM.
Signs and Symptoms
After a dangerous event, it is natural to have some symptoms. The signs and symptoms may emerge months after the event and may also vary from person to person. According to the DSM, the symptoms of PTSD can be categorized as:
Avoidance symptoms
In avoidance symptoms people may start:
- Staying away from places, events, or objects that remind them of the event
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
In arousal and reactivity symptoms one may:
- Feels tense, on guard, or on edge
- Has difficulty in concentrating
- Has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Feels angry or irritable
- May engage in reckless or destructive behavior
Re-experiencing Symptoms
Here, the individual often experiences flashbacks of the traumatic event, including physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating. Additionally they may also have recurring memories or nightmares related to the event
Cognition and Mood Symptoms
The individual with PTSD often starts having trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event and negative thoughts about oneself or the world. Feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear become more prominent resulting in social isolation and difficulty in feeling positive emotions such as happiness.
Causes
The question of how to heal from PTSD can only be answered by understanding its varied causes. Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic incident or situation are linked with causing PTSD in some individuals. However, our brains are wired differently which is why along with genetics or even how resilient we are emotionally play a huge role. It’s like two people could go through the same event, but both of them might have different experiences of the same event. It’s all about how we process and heal from that trauma. But more importantly, not being able to process negative incidents does not make us guilty for something that we cannot control. Treatment
For anyone who is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek professional help from an experienced professional. The main PTSD treatment includes psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves a variety of approaches to help people identify their problems and systematically work through them. It can provide support to the individual as well as their families and support networks. In case of PTSD, Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is commonly used. It helps people change how they think about the trauma, breaking that vicious cycle of negative thoughts.
People with PTSD might recall the event in a way that doesn’t match what actually occurred, leading them to feel guilt or shame over things that weren’t their fault. Cognitive restructuring helps them view the event more accurately and process it in a healthier, more realistic way.
Medication
Antidepressants can also be helpful to ease up the symptoms of anxiety, flashbacks and depression. They are prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Strategies for dealing with traumatic experiences
Here are a few actionable strategies for dealing with traumatic experiences
- Understand and validate your emotions
- Give yourself time to recover from the shock
- Listen to the needs of your body and mind
- Reach out for support from friends and family, and professionals
- Validate your feelings
How can I help a friend or relative who has PTSD?
If you know someone who might be dealing with PTSD, the best thing you can do is assist them in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment so that they try healing from trauma. You can support them through their journey and offer encouragement. Try to learn more about PTSD and strategies for dealing with traumatic experiences so you can offer genuine empathy to them. And most importantly, listen to them and understand what they are going through.
Conclusion
Healing from trauma is a gradual process that involves facing painful memories with courage and patience. It often begins with acknowledging the trauma and seeking support through therapy, trusted friends, or support groups. Using techniques such as mindfulness, self-care, and allowing yourself time to grieve are essential steps and very important aids for you to work through the emotions. Healthy coping mechanisms and professional guidance can help you regain a sense of safety and reclaim control over your life.
References
Julia, N. (2022, May 31). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Statistics: 2022 Update. CFAH. https://cfah.org/ptsd-statistics/
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Post-traumatic stress disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
National Center for PTSD. (2023, February 3). How Common Is PTSD in Adults? U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
Sareen, J. (2022). Posttraumatic stress disorder in adults: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, course, assessment, and diagnosis. UpToDate.
