Many of these soldiers had strong feelings of grief, anxiety and anger which wouldn't go away, had flashbacks of horrific scenes and felt compelled to avoid anything associated with their traumatic experiences.
Since then, similar symptoms have been recorded in people who have never seen a battlefield, but who have nevertheless been through traumatic times, and doctors now know to look out for signs of ‘post traumatic stress disorder' – a severe, ongoing reaction to a psychological trauma.
Here are ten things many people don't realise about post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
1. The National Health Service now treats an estimated 220,000 people every year for PTSD
2. PTSD can be a devastating psychological illness, which can affect every part of a person's life, including, work, friends and family
3. PTSD symptoms can include persistent flashbacks, nightmares, trouble sleeping and muscle tension as well as ongoing feelings of guilt, anger, depression and heightened anxiety
4. You are more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder if you work in certain profession which are more exposed to traumatic scenes and experiences, such as paramedics, members of the police force, military personnel or fire fighters
5. Medication rarely cures PTSD, but is often used alongside counselling, which can involve discussion of memories and feelings about the trauma, to relieve symptoms
6. Group psychotherapy is often used in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder, and is considered by some experts to be the most beneficial kind of treatment for military personnel and veterans
7. PTSD can be caused by a range of different incidents, including car accidents, violent assault, being taken hostage, military combat, natural or man-made disasters and terrorist attacks
8. Two people could witness the same horrifying event at the same time, one of whom could show no signs of psychological trauma while the other goes on to suffer from full-blown PTSD
9. People suffering from PTSD may be able to make a claim for compensation, which could help with difficulties such as financial concerns due to loss of work
10. In the past, courts were reluctant to award compensation for sufferers of PTSD. However, as awareness increases, more and more successful PTSD claims are being made
Many people suffer with post traumatic stress disorder without realising they have the condition, but psychotherapy and some medicines may be able to help.
If you think you may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, you should visit your doctor straight away to assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis.
If your PTSD was caused at work or was someone else's fault, you may be able to make a successful claim for PTSD compensation.
Compensation amounts for PTSD claims vary greatly but the money could potentially help with lost earnings and the cost of your PTSD treatment. Seak to an expert today to find out if you could make a PTSD claim.
About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
First, what are these signs?
1.Exposure to possible death or serious injury that resulted in an intense feeling of fear, hopelessness or horror
2.Intrusive, distressing thoughts or images that recall the disturbing event
3.Disturbing dreams associated with the trauma
4.Flashbacks suggestive of the traumatic event reoccuring
5. Intense distress triggered by reminders of the traumatic event
6. Physiologically-manifested reactivity i.e. sweating, palpitations etc. triggered by cues of the trauma
7. Compulsive avoidance of thoughts, feelings or conversations about the trauma
8. Avoidance of activity, people or places associated with the traumatic event
9. Inability to recall important aspects of the trauma
10. Feelings of detachment
11. Inability to experience a full range of emotions
12. Onset of fatalistic or pessimistic attitudes
13. Sudden sleep disturbances
14. Sudden irritability
15. Concentration impairment
16. Pervasive worry
17. Extreme startle response
18. Feelings of depression, anger or despair
19. Abuse of alcohol or drugs
20 Onset of suicidal thoughts
21. Onset of conflict in relationships
22. Inability to function normally because of compelling anxiety
If you experience any of these symptoms, it would behoove you to seek therapy or counseling.
But what will your counseling accomplish? How will it benefit you?
1.It should reduce the negative impact that the traumatic event has had on your life.
2.You will learn to develop and implement effective coping skills to fulfill normal responsibilities and participate constructively in relationships.
3.You will be able to recall the traumatic event without being overwhelmed by painful emotions.
4.You will discover how to minimize escape and denial and implement constructive behaviors that promote healing and functional living
5. You will be able to sleep without disturbing dreams of the trauma
6. You will be able to replace negative, distorted thinking with constructive self-enhancing and accurate thinking processes.
7. You will be able to implement anger control techniques to subdue your irritation and anger about the event.
8. You will be able to eliminate any reliance you have on abuse of mind-altering substances
9. You will be able to implement relaxation training as a coping mechanism for tension, stress and anxiety relating to the trauma
10. You will be able to eliminate the catastrophisizing and futility which saturates your thinking about the trauma
11. You should be able to see the future as hopeful and positive rather than bleak and depressing
12. Upon repeated re-telling about the trauma you will be able to do so with gradually reduced anxiety
13. You will be able to reduce any dissociative symptoms associated with the trauma
14.You will be able to use relaxation and positive imagery techniques to reduce tension, anxiety and any sleep problems related to the trauma
15.You will be able to identify and reduce any palpitations, agitation, catastrophic expectations, headaches or profuse sweating caused by the trauma
16.You should be able to approach previously avoided situations related to the trauma with much less stress by using relaxation methods, deep breathing and positive imagery.
17.You should have a plan to address the negative impact your PTSD has had on your job and family and be implementing steps to resolve those problems
18.You will have developed an awareness of PTSD, how it develops and worsens and steps to take to reduce the impact of any future relapses
Both Jessica A Parker & Dr Mike Shery are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jessica A Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Legal Matters, Compensation Claims and Legal Matters. National Accident Helpline are specialists in personal injury claims. If you are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, ou. Jessica A Parker's top article generates over 8100 views. Bookmark Jessica A Parker to your Favourites.
Dr Mike Shery has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cure Anxiety, Cure Anxiety and Family. Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo and Lake-in-the-Hills. He's an expert marriage counselor and psychologist. Call 1 847 516 0899 and make an appt or. Dr Mike Shery's top article generates over 9900 views. Bookmark Dr Mike Shery to your Favourites.
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