Important Signs and Symptoms of PTSD You Shouldn't Ignore
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about one in ten Canadians and seven to eight percent of the U.S. population. PTSD is a severe mental health condition caused by experiencing a traumatic event or series of events. PTSD can affect anyone but does not affect everyone who experiences trauma. For some people, after experiencing trauma, with self-care and as time passes, they get better. If the symptoms remain and get worse, lasting months or years and interfering with daily functioning, the reason might be PTSD.
Signs And Symptoms Of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can start immediately after experiencing the traumatic event, but for some people, the symptoms arise months or even years later, usually after experiencing an event that triggers memories of the traumatic event. Typically, PTSD symptoms begin within six months of experiencing the traumatic event. PTSD can seriously affect the daily functioning of sufferers and requires effective treatment to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Seek medical attention if experiencing PTSD symptoms. There are four main groups of PTSD symptoms that vary over time and from person to person. These symptoms include having intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in physical and emotional reactions, and negative changes in thinking and mood.
Intrusive Memories

PTSD symptoms include experiencing recurring and unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event and reliving the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks. Intrusive memories also arise in upsetting dreams and nightmares about the traumatic event and experiencing negative physical reactions and severe emotional distress about something that triggers memories of the traumatic event. Intrusive memories caused by PTSD are preoccupying and debilitating, often interfere with daily functioning and can even lead to suicidal thoughts and feelings. The treatment of intrusive memories can be achieved with different approaches and techniques. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy helps the client examine core negative beliefs and seeks to replace them with positive ones. If unhealthy anger is a coping strategy for the PTSD sufferer, anger management therapy techniques such as using self-talk to soothe oneself and de-escalate the anger can be helpful for changing one’s mood into a more positive one.