PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

January 16th, 2014

What is PTSD?

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – a condition of persistent mental and emotional

stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and to the outside world.

Examples of traumatic events• War• Natural disasters• Car or plane crash• Terrorist attacks• Sudden death of a loved one• Rape• Kidnapping• Assault• Sexual of physical abuse• Childhood neglect

Normal Response vs. PTSD

• A normal response you can process your emotions and come out of it.

• PTSD you stay in emotional shock• Your memory of what happened and your

feelings are disconnected.• To move on you have to face and feel your

memories and emotions.

Question

• What would you do if the interviewee doesn’t want to answer a certain question because of their experience?

Signs of PTSD

• Can appear out of the blue• They are triggered by a memory of the

traumatic event.– Noise, image, certain words, or smell

Symptoms

• Anger and irritability• Guilt, shame, or self-blame• Substance abuse• Depression and hopelessness• Suicidal thoughts and feelings• Feeling alienated and alone

Getting Help

• The sooner PTSD is confronted, the easier it is to overcome.

• It’s easier with the guidance and support of a therapist or a doctor.

Treatment

• Early treatment is better and will help stop the symptoms from getting worse.

• Educating yourself on what kind of treatments work, where to look for help, and what kinds of questions to ask leads to better results.

• In treatment for PTSD you will explore your thoughts and feelings about the trauma, work through feelings of guilt, learn how to cope with memories, address problems that PTSD has caused in your life.

Types of Treatment

• Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy• Family therapy• Medication• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and

Reprocessing)

Where to get help for PTSD

• If you are in a crisis call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, call the suicide prevention lifeline, contact the veterans crisis line.

• Find a therapist who specializes in the treatment of PTSD.

• Ask your family doctor for a recommendation• Look on the VA’s (Veterans Affairs) website

Positive Ways of Coping with PTSD

• Learn about trauma and PTSD• Join a PTSD support group• Practice relaxation techniques• Pursue outdoor activities• Talk to a person you trust• Spend time with positive people• Avoid alcohol and drugs• Enjoy the peace of nature

Helping a loved one with PTSD

• Be patient and understanding• Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers• Don’t take the symptoms of PTSD personally• Don’t pressure your loved one into talking

Any Questions?