top of page

The Invisible Wounds: A Guide to Understanding PTSD

Jun 4, 2023
4 min read

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event - such as an accident, assault, military combat or natural disaster – and can interfere with your ability to function day-to-day.


Feelings of fear or anxiety are a natural response during and after a traumatic situation. While many people who go through a traumatic event may have a temporary response but recover with time and good self-care, some will continue to experience longer term symptoms that could lead to a diagnosis of PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.


PTSD affects people differently, some may notice symptoms days or weeks after the event while others may not develop symptoms until months or even years following the event.


If you feel you're struggling to get your life back under control after a traumatic experience, seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional.



‍Symptoms of PTSD

While many people involved in a traumatic situation experience short term symptoms, most do not develop long term problems linked to the traumatic event. An individual’s experience of PTSD will be unique to them, even when having suffered or witnessed a similar type of trauma.as someone else.


Symptoms may develop suddenly or present gradually and get worse over time. Symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four categories:


Re-experiencing symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms may cause disruptions in a person’s everyday routine. Symptoms can be triggered by words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event, and include:


  • Flashbacks — reliving the trauma repeatedly

  • Intense physical reactions to flashbacks, such as a racing heart or sweating

  • Nightmares

  • Severe distress when reminded of the trauma

  • Intrusive thoughts


Avoidance symptoms

Avoidance symptoms may be triggered by things that remind a person of the traumatic event. Symptoms may include:


  • Avoiding certain places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience

  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event


Cognitive and mood symptoms

Cognitive and mood symptoms reflect negative changes in thinking and mood, and may include:


  • General memory problems, including trouble remembering important parts of the traumatic event

  • Negative thoughts about oneself, other people or the world

  • Feeling detached from family and friends

  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

  • Emotional numbing

  • Distorted feelings like guilt or blame

  • Hopelessness about the future


Arousal symptoms

Arousal symptoms are usually constant, instead of being triggered by things that are reminders of the traumatic event. These symptoms reflect changes in physical and emotional reactions, and may include:


  • Being easily startled or frightened

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Hypervigilance, always being on guard for danger

  • Engaging in self-destructive behavior

  • Constantly tense or on-edge

  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour

  • Overwhelming guilt or shame



Risk factors for PTSD

PTSD can occur at any age, but the reasons why some people develop PTSD while other do not is unclear. However, there are risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing PTSD after being exposed to a traumatic event.


Risk factors include:

  • Amount and severity of prior experiences of trauma

  • Genetics - family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health condition

  • Living in high-stress situations, such as living in areas where violence occurs regularly

  • Childhood trauma, neglect or abuse.

  • Having little or no social support after the traumatic event

  • Dealing with extra stress after the event, such as loss of a job or home

  • Existence of other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse

  • Temperament of a person


Events that can trigger PTSD include:

  • Serious accidents

  • Physical or sexual assault

  • Natural disasters – for example, earthquakes or severe flooding

  • Death of someone close to you

  • Violent personal attacks, such as mugging or robbery

  • Abuse, including childhood or domestic abuse

  • War and conflict

  • Witnessing people being hurt or killed

  • Exposure to traumatic events at work, repeatedly seeing or hearing details of traumatic events

  • Serious health problems, such as being admitted to intensive care

  • Traumatic childbirth experiences



Treatment

Getting effective treatment for PTSD is necessary for reducing symptoms and improving your ability to function day-to-day.


PTSD symptoms often co-exist with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance use. It’s important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health professional who is experienced with PTSD.


The main treatments for people with PTSD are psychotherapy (“talk” therapy), medications, or both. In addition, self-care strategies are helpful while in treatment.


Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches:

  • skills to help identify triggers of PTSD symptoms

  • skills to help manage PTSD symptoms

  • helpful ways to react to frightening events that trigger PTSD symptoms


Medications

Antidepressants are the most commonly used medication in PTSD treatment. Although they do not treat the underlying causes of PTSD, they can be helpful in relieving symptoms from anxiety or depression.


Other medications can be prescribed to treat specific PTSD symptoms, such as sleep problems and nightmares.


Self-care strategies

Tips for helping you manage PTSD symptoms while in treatment include:


  • Try self-soothing practices – these are helpful in easing anxiety and grounding a person

  • Engage in physical activity or exercise to help reduce stress

  • Try to spend time with family and friends, and talk to someone you trust about things that may trigger PTSD symptoms

  • Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately




Takeaway

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and can interfere with your ability to function day-to-day.


If you are seeking help from a mental health professional to help you deal with your PTSD so you can live a happier life, then online therapy can make a significant difference.


Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option for PTSD, and research shows that online CBT is just as effective as in-person therapy.


Online therapy comes with the following benefits:


  • Flexible - You can schedule therapy sessions for times that are most convenient for you.

  • Convenient - You can access therapy from anywhere, from the comfort or your home or wherever you feel most comfortable.

  • Time-saving - You don’t have to travel or spend months on a waiting list for a suitable therapist in your area.


If you’ve been struggling with PTSD, help is available for achieving better mental well-being.

bottom of page