What is PTSD

Let's talk PTSD. What is PTSD? How do we know if we have PTSD? I'm Jessie Marie and today we're talking PTSD and all that comes with it! PTSD is a tough topic. 

* TRIGGER WARNING! (When you see this on my blog posts it means that there is sensitive material that may trigger ones mental health and or recovery.) 

Again let's say it- 

TRIGGER WARNING!

PTSD - a mental health condition also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What exactly is PTSD?

PTSD easily explained is a condition caused by experiencing a severely traumatic event and surviving it. Now you may be saying to yourself, "Well I'm sure we have all went through some sort of trauma in our lives.."

This is true. I believe everyone experiences some sort of trauma in their life. Some traumatic events just have a more extreme impact on some than others.

A little more information about PTSD

PTSD develops after witnessing or personally living through a traumatic event. A traumatic event could be anything from abusive and violence, a serious accident, natural disasters, severe injury, the loss of a loved one and even exposure to traumatic events or news. The list of traumatic events goes on and on.

For me, my personal PTSD comes from multiple traumatic events I've experienced in my life. It developed in 2011 after giving birth to my stillborn daughter, Gianna Faith. Losing a loved one is traumatic in itself, but giving birth to a new baby knowing she isn't going to make it is beyond life changing. I have permanently been damaged from this trauma. I have never quite healed, or gotten past the loss of my daughter. Along with losing a child, I have been abused, harassed, sexually taken advantage of, had a gun pulled on me, lost other loved ones, had open heart surgery and almost died from Sepsis. I have been through many other traumatic events and witnessed other trauma but I'm not going to go on about all of my trauma. I'd like to focus on what PTSD comes with and really is as opposed to what it's personally done to me.

Symptoms of PTSD

Although there are many symptoms of PTSD, we're going to briefly mention the main 5;

Being easily startled.

Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge.

Having difficulty concentrating.

Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts.

Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior.

On top of these 5 I'd like to mention that flashbacks also play a huge role in symptoms of PTSD. A flashback is "a vivid experience in which you relive some aspects of a traumatic event or feel as if it is happening right now." This can also accuse when you are sleeping. When this happens we refer to these as "night terrors".

Night terrors/.Sleep Terrors

"Sleep terrors are times of screaming or crying, intense fear, and sometimes waving arms and legs when not fully awake. Also known as night terrors, sleep terrors may lead to sleepwalking."

During a sleep terror, a person may:

Start by screaming, shouting or crying.

Sit up in bed and look scared.

Stare wide-eyed.

Sweat, breathe heavily, and have a racing pulse, flushed face and enlarged pupils.

Kick and thrash.

Be hard to wake up and be confused if awakened.

Not be comforted or soothed.

Have no or little memory of the event the next morning.

Possibly, get out of bed and run around the house or have aggressive behavior if blocked or held back.

- credit from Mayo Clinic

What people think PTSD is VS. what PTSD actually is

This chart is a great guide when it comes to breaking down what PTSD really is. I think we can find a little humor in the first portion of, "what people think PTSD is"..

Photo credit- @what.is.mental.illness

You can see that the chart with the list describing what PTSD actually is, is a long one. This chart is very accurate when it comes to showing you the facts of what PTSD actually consists of. PTSD is ALL of the above and more. PTSD can also lead to other psychiatrist conditions such as anxiety and depression. Often, these mental health conditions go hand in hand.

Do I have PTSD?

PTSD is feeling like the world isn't a safe place, in any possible way. It's fear of everything, daily worries, constantly overthinking. You may have upsetting memories or thoughts of your trauma, feel on edge or have mood swings and or outbursts, trouble sleeping amongst many other symptoms. Again, the above chart is a great tool to use to see if you fall into the box for having PTSD.

Do not self diagnose! If you have experienced a traumatic event please see your Dr. And or psychiatrist for a real diagnosis and help. Yes, there is help! 

How to help with PTSD

Now, a great question is how do you cope or help with PTSD? You may be asking for yourself or you may be trying to help a loved one. Either way, don't lose hope! Although PTSD usually never goes away/has no cure, it can be treated and managed. Medication management can assist with PTSD symptoms and help with the anxiety, depression and night terrors or other symptoms/conditions you may experience with having PTSD. But, there is much more than just taking medication to managing PTSD.

There are many coping skills when it comes to helping yourself or someone you love with PTSD. Some include but are not limited to;

Relaxation techniques

Breathing exercises

Self-care

Connecting with other/communication

Muscle relaxation

Fidget "toys" (yes, I'm squeezing a fidget ball as I work on this blog post)

Eating well

Going outside/ getting fresh air

Counseling and or talking to someone you trust about your trauma and symptoms

Getting good sleep/rest

To me, getting a good nights sleep or a nap when needed is a must when coping with PTSD. I know when I'm experiencing PTSD symptoms the last thing I want to do is continue the experience over and over. Having a rested body and brain can help leave you less stressed, overwhelmed or overthinking. Even if you don't feel physically tired, the mind can become exhausted itself and sometimes it just needs to take a break and rest!

Writing and journaling or using a self-help book can also be a great tool for coping with your PTSD.

Who gets PTSD?

Anyone can develop PTSD and at any age. Some factors increase the likelihood of developing it.

Some of these factors include:

Type of trauma: Experiencing or witnessing a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or terror attack 

Intensity of trauma: Experiencing a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event 

Duration of trauma: Experiencing ongoing or repeated potentially traumatic events 

Age: Younger people may be more likely to develop PTSD 

Gender: Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men 

Family history: Having a family history of mental health conditions 

Occupation: Working in a high-risk occupation, such as the emergency services or armed forces 

Social support: Receiving social support following potentially traumatic events can reduce the risk for PTSD 

Genes: Some people may be more likely to develop PTSD due to biological factors like genes 

Informational credit- Google

Did you know, about 6 of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime, according to the National Center for PTSD, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program. - National Institute Of Mental Health

Is PTSD a disability?

Yes, PTSD itself can be a debilitating condition. 

Key points of PTSD as a disability:

Impact on daily life

Are you unable to perform or function daily tasks like you normally could before you experience the traumatic event or events? Does your PTSD and trauma interfere with your daily living and life?

Medical diagnosis

A medical diagnosis of PTSD can help assist you in knowing and informing if your condition is considered a disability.

Again, speak to a professional if you feel your PTSD has become debilitating. There is help!

The 5 stages of PTSD 

They say there are 5 stages of PTSD which I will list below.. but before that I'd like to mention that we all cope with PTSD differently. No one's PTSD is the same and we all go through the process and stages on our own time and terms.

Impact or Emergency Stage

Denial/ Numbing Stage

Rescue Stage (including Intrusive or Repetitive stage) 

Short-term Recovery or Intermediate Stage

Long-term reconstruction or recovery stage.

Now, we've educated and gone over the basics of the mental health condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I truly hope this blog post touches a single soul and can help someone in any possible way. Living with PTSD doesn't mean your life is over or that you cannot live a normal life. PTSD effects everyone differently and to their own severity. In my experience my PTSD has been a disability. I have been through so much trauma in my life that it's built up beyond words. I have survived and lived through more trauma than any person should ever have to endure or overcome. But that doesn't mean that it is the same for others. Seeking professional help, practicing coping skills and mechanisms and of course having a great support system is key to managing and progressing through your own PTSD and experiences. I'm Jessie Marie and that's our talk of today! 

For more information on PTSD visit National Center For PTSD

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideations or attempts please contact the National Suicide Hotline

Call or text 988

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- JESSIE MARIE

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