PTSD

By: Ashutosh Agarwal

 What is it and what causes it ?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can affect anyone.

It is caused by exposure to trauma from single events that involve death, the threat of
death, serious injury, or abuse.
 Signs and symptoms

PTSD can cause many symptoms such

as: Feeling of numbness
Vivid nightmares Depression
Flashbacks
Anxiety
Change in the persons thoughts and
mood related to the traumatic event Panic attacks
A deep sense of helplessness Irritability
Problems at home or work Anger outbursts
Feelings of devastation/vulnerability
Fear of normal every-day activities

Many of these symptoms are also a sign of PTSD.

Treatment

PTSD is a curable mental illness. Some of the most common types of

treatment include:
Counselling
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT) is known to be effective in curing
PTSD. CBT teaches the person how their thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours work together and how to deal with problems and stress.
Medication
Medication, such as antianxiety medication or antidepressant
medication have been prescribed to help with some of the symptoms of
PTSD.
Support groups
Support group are also a form of treatment. They help the person
connect with people who are going through the same thing and show
them how to cope with the symptoms.
Who does it Effect

PTSD doesnt just effect the person who has it. It effects their family, friends, coworkers
and even those who dont know the person(undirectly).
Resources

Information
http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/#.WHqWEhsrLIU
http://www.ptsdassociation.com/about-ptsd/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml