What Are Common Symptoms of PTSD?
Most people have a basic idea of what PTSD looks like. Unfortunately, that idea often comes from depictions of the disorder on television and in movies. While some of those depictions are more accurate than others, it’s not fair to anyone actually dealing with PTSD to assume Hollywood is getting it right.
Maybe you’re struggling with PTSD yourself, but you’re not sure what the real symptoms are. Or, you might be trying to downplay your feelings because you think they’ll go away.
PTSD doesn’t go away on its own. But, it’s often manageable with the right help. That starts with understanding the symptoms and admitting you’re struggling.
Whether someone you know is dealing with PTSD or you’re concerned you might have it, let’s take a closer look at the common symptoms so you can reach out for help and get the diagnosis and treatment you deserve.
Fighting Flashbacks
When you see depictions of PTSD on screen, flashbacks seem to be the most common symptom. It’s true that people with PTSD can experience extreme flashbacks of their traumatic events. Sometimes, those flashbacks can seem so real that it’s difficult to distinguish reality from what’s going on inside your mind.
Some people also struggle with extreme nightmares. They can become so intense that they cause sleep issues, which can further fuel the disorder by leading to anxiety or depression.
Even if you don’t struggle with flashbacks, it’s not uncommon to have intrusive negative thoughts that can also lead to anxiety.
Dealing with Triggers
Trauma isn’t always a “one-and-done” situation. Depending on what you went through, certain triggers can make your PTSD symptoms worse.
Triggers can include specific locations, items, dates, or even certain people. Unfortunately, these triggers can lead to extremely intrusive thoughts and might make you start panicking or experiencing extreme fear.
While some people might be able to avoid triggers, that’s not always the case if you experienced something like extreme violence or witnessed a traumatic event nearby.
Physical Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition. But, it’s important to recognize how closely mental and physical well-being are linked. There are multiple physical manifestations of PTSD that can impact your quality of life.
Some of the most common include nausea, trembling, sweating, and even pain. These physical symptoms can become worse while you’re experiencing flashbacks or if something triggers you. They’re largely brought on by stress and anxiety. When you’re under constant tension because of your trauma, your body can respond in a variety of negative ways, making it difficult to find comfort and actually feel good at any given moment.
Psychological Signs
PTSD can also have long-term effects on how you feel, mentally. You might lose interest in the things you used to enjoy. You might also try to isolate yourself from people — even those closest to you.
It’s not uncommon to feel a sense of detachment from the world and those in your social circle. Unfortunately, isolating yourself and struggling with loneliness is likely to make your symptoms worse. Isolation often contributes to anxiety and depression. When you’re alone with your thoughts or you’re triggered by something, trying to deal with all of it on your own can be overwhelming.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you don’t have to continue to struggle on your own. PTSD is very real and can be very damaging — but it’s treatable. Once you know the signs and you’re ready to receive an official diagnosis, you can finally start to get the help you need to find peace once again. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment soon for trauma therapy.