17 Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

What are the 17 signs of PTSD? One minute you’re enjoying a quiet evening, and the next, you’re reliving a traumatic event with intense fear and anxiety. Episodes like these can be even more challenging when you don’t know what symptoms to expect. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PTSD is crucial for seeking timely treatment and support. This article explores what PTSD is, the 17 common symptoms of PTSD, and the available treatment options to help those affected.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in some individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. These events can include car accidents, violent crimes, military combat, or the unexpected death of a loved one. While it’s natural to feel afraid or anxious during and after such incidents, people with PTSD continue to experience intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their trauma long after the event. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares, feel persistent sadness, anxiety, fear, or anger, and may become detached or estranged from others.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health PTSD affects an estimated 7.1% of adults in the U.S. and can result from direct or indirect exposure to trauma. For instance, witnessing a violent event on the news can trigger PTSD. While many people initially struggle with adjusting after trauma, they often recover with time and self-care. However, if symptoms worsen, persist for months, or disrupt daily life, professional treatment for PTSD may be necessary. Understanding PTSD symptoms can help individuals seek appropriate treatment and support.

If you or a loved one are facing mental health challenges, call us today or visit our admissions page to access the help and treatment you deserve!

What Are The 17 Symptoms of PTSD?

What are the 17 signs of PTSD? Understanding these signs is crucial for recognizing and addressing this condition. PTSD can manifest in various ways, often making it difficult for individuals to identify what they are experiencing as symptoms of a larger issue. Being aware of the specific signs of PTSD can help in seeking timely and effective treatment.

Intrusive Thoughts:

Recurring, unwanted thoughts about the traumatic events. Including distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks where individuals feel they are reliving the experience.

Avoidance:

Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities that remind them of the trauma. This can involve avoiding conversations about the event or places where the trauma occurred.

Negative Changes in Mood and Thoughts:

A persistent and distorted sense of guilt or blame. Feelings of detachment from others, and a significant decrease in interest in activities once enjoyed.

Hyper arousal:

Symptoms include being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge,” having difficulty sleeping, and experiencing angry outbursts.

Difficulty Concentrating:

Problems with focusing on tasks, which can affect daily functioning and productivity at work or school.

Irritability and Anger:

Unprovoked anger or irritability, often disproportionate to the situation, which can strain relationships.

Guilt or Shame:

Feelings of guilt or shame about the traumatic event, contributing to a negative self-image and hindering recovery.

Emotional Numbness:

Difficulty experiencing positive emotions, feeling emotionally numb, or detached from others.

Insomnia:

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, exacerbating other symptoms and negatively impacting overall health.

Hypervigilance:

Being excessively alert or watchful for signs of danger, leading to exhaustion and stress.

Exaggerated Startle Response:

Overreacting to unexpected noises or movements, which can be distressing and disruptive.

Memory Problems:

Difficulty remembering key aspects of the traumatic event or experiencing general memory issues.

Nightmares:

Frequent, distressing dreams related to the traumatic event that disrupt sleep and cause anxiety.

Loss of Interest:

Diminished interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable, leading to social withdrawal.

Feeling Detached:

A sense of being detached from oneself or reality, often described as feeling like one is watching oneself in a movie.

Physical Symptoms:

Headaches, dizziness, chest pains, or stomach problems that don’t have a clear medical cause and can be linked to stress and anxiety.

Self-Destructive Behavior:

Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or self-harm.

People with PTSD might also experience self-isolation to avoid triggers, vivid flashbacks where they relive their traumatic experiences, and substance abuse as a way to cope with their distress. Emotional avoidance, hyper arousal, memory loss, trouble concentrating, and a negative outlook on life are also common. These symptoms can be severe and debilitating, making it crucial to seek professional help if they persist for more than a few weeks after the traumatic event.

Understanding what the 17 signs of PTSD are and recognizing their impact on daily life can help individuals seek the necessary support and treatment to manage PTSD effectively.

Treatment for PTSD

Treatment for PTSD often involves a combination of therapies and, in some cases, medication. Here are some effective treatment options:

Medications:

• Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs, can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Anti-Anxiety Medications: Can provide short-term relief for severe anxiety.

Support Groups:

Joining support groups provides a sense of community and shared experiences, which can be comforting and empowering.

Holistic Approaches:

Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Call Us Today At Valor For Support

Recognizing what the 17 signs of PTSD are and their symptoms is the first step towards seeking help and improving quality of life. With the right treatment and support, including programs offered by Valor Behavioral Health such as Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, Outpatient Programs, and specialized Adolescent Programs, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, Valor Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia, is here to help. Our comprehensive treatment programs are tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for recovery. Call us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your journey to healing.