Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a verifiable mental health condition brought on by a traumatic or terrifying event. It comes with various symptoms, all of which give off red flags that an individual may be suffering from this condition. If you think that you or a loved one might have PTSD, here are the signs and symptoms to be aware of. 

Intrusive Memories

Those suffering from PTSD find themselves in a loop of reliving the trauma they experienced. This can take on many forms, with unwanted distressing memories being the most common. Flashbacks are also prone to occur, as are nightmares. 

Memories can also be brought on by triggers, causing severe emotional distress and physical reactions when the individual is reminded of the event. Triggers can be objects, certain words, or depictions of a similar event in media. 

Avoidance

Victims find themselves distancing from their triggers in an attempt to avoid them altogether. This is the sign that you should look for. An individual might avoid talking or even thinking about the event altogether. Some may also avoid places, activities, and people in an attempt to remove triggers from their life. Avoidance behavior is one of the largest and most easily identifiable red flags. 

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

PTSD has an intense, negative impact on the brain. While each individual experiences varying symptoms, any of the following can occur:

• Hopelessness
• Negative thoughts about oneself or others
• Memory lapses and recall issues
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Detachment from friends and family
• Loss of interest in favored activities
• Difficulty with positive emotions
• Emotional numbing 

Any and all of these symptoms are immediate red flags of a neurological issue. They can signal anxiety as well as depression, both of which are common symptoms of PTSD. Most suffering from this condition go through it alone as these changes take hold. 

Physical and Emotional Reactions

Those with PTSD are often easily startled or frightened, causing them to be on guard for potential danger. This leads to difficulty sleeping and concentrating, but it also causes irritability and angry outbursts.

Those outbursts are often the cause of domestic violence and other aggressive behaviors. Spouses are left wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” If a partner’s PTSD has gotten this far, the answer is yes. Hopefully, you can intervene and get them professional help before this happens. 

When to Seek Help

When you recognize two or three of these signs, it’s time to seek help. Begin by seeing a doctor or therapist who can diagnose this condition. The sooner someone begins treatment for PTSD, the easier the symptoms are to manage. 

Keep in mind that individuals cannot work through the symptoms on their own. The symptoms will worsen and often lead to aggressive outburst that land victims in legal trouble. If things have progressed this far, then it’s time to hire a skilled attorney like those at the Law Office of Jeremy Rosenthal.

In an emergency, especially when suicidal thoughts are included, contact 911 or a local emergency number immediately. For non-emergencies with suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-237-8255 to reach the suicide hotline number.