All You Need to Know About PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a type of disorder that affects your mental health and is often triggered by past events. It’s highly uncommon for PTSD to occur on its own, without any reason behind it. While usually, you tend to know what the reason is, it is possible that at times you may not know what is triggering it. This is however not a permanent disorder. That is because the right treatment and care can help you cope and overcome whatever it is that’s causing your PTSD. Keep reading to find out more about PTSD.

How does PTSD trigger occur?

You may not even be aware that you have PTSD unless and until something triggers it inside of you, connecting you to a flashback. The triggers are often strong senses that give a sharp resemblance to that part of your memory. When the trigger occurs, your heart races and your senses heighten. You feel like you’re in the danger all over again although your safe and far past it.

Different types of PTSD trigger

To go in depth, PTSD triggers can be broken into two categories: internal triggers and external triggers. Internal triggers are often connected through emotions whereas external triggers occur through physical impacts. Although the triggers are obvious ones, there are times when it could be subtle and take a moment longer for the reaction to follow. Here some of the type of PTSD triggers under each of the two categories.

Internal Triggers:

Thoughts and feelings such as: anger, anxiety, frustration, memories, abandonment, loneliness, etc. The feelings you felt during the traumatic event, when felt again due to certain circumstances can be a huge source of trigger.

External Triggers:

An anniversary, sound, smell, watching or reading about a situation similar to what you went through, holidays, etc could be identified as external triggers. Returning to either the scene of the trauma or even a similar space is another commonly known form of external PTSD trigger.

How to cope with PTSD?

The first step towards coming into terms with your PTSD is to accept it as well as identify the cause of the trigger. People eventually overcome their PTSD. However, it isn’t as simple as getting it over with due to the fact that PTSD is a deep scar that needs proper care and help in healing. It’s always best to find out more about PTSD and trauma training workshops, as they’re one of the best ways to cope with PTSD. A few other simple ways to cope with your PTSD at home is by deep breathing, grounding exercises or even journaling.

Types of PTSD symptoms

Being aware of the symptoms helps you understand the situation better. Some of the symptoms include:  recurring memory of the event either through the flashback or through nightmares. If you find yourself trying to constantly avoid the situation, it’s also considered to be a symptom. Having PTSD could affect your mood and reactions.

Keep in mind that if not treated and cared for, PTSD often gets worse and harder to deal with.