Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAvoidanceIntrusive MemoriesMood SwingsBehavioral ChangesIntensity of SymptomsEmergency HelpNext in PTSD GuideCan You Get PTSD From Emotional Abuse?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Avoidance
Intrusive Memories
Mood Swings
Behavioral Changes
Intensity of Symptoms
Emergency Help
Next in PTSD Guide
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in some people after they’ve witnessed or experienced a tragic event. Signs of PTSD include avoidance of flashback-inducing triggers, intrusive memories that disrupt daily life or sleep patterns, unpredictable mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere, and behavioral changes such as engaging in reckless activities or having an exaggerated startle response.
PTSD can happen to anyone who’s witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. Globally, about 70% of the world’s population is exposed to traumatic events in their lifetime, and 7% (1 in 10 people exposed to traumatic stress) will develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
This article discusses four ways to tell if you or someone you know might have PTSD and when it’s vital to get emergency help.
Tatiana Maksimova / Getty Images
Avoidance is a core symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. The two types of avoidance associated with PTSD are:
Behavioral avoidanceinvolves physically avoiding people, places, sounds, or smells associated with a traumatic event. For example, acombat veteranwho associates the smell of diesel fuel with seeing people die during active duty may avoid going to the local gas station.
Avoidant coping strategies can include the maladaptive use of drugs, alcohol, and emotional eating to shut down and avoid thoughts or feelings related to personal trauma.
For example, if someone had a life-threatening accident on July 4th, all the smells and sounds associated with Fourth of July festivities, such as barbecue smoke, lighter-fluid fumes, and exploding fireworks, could trigger IMEs.
Individuals with PTSD often experience mood swings and have difficulty regulating their emotions. They may struggle with negative thoughts about themselves and the world they live in, leading to a sense of fear and estrangement from others. This can greatly decrease their willingness to engage in activities.
Additionally, people with PTSD may exhibit heightened emotional reactivity. This can result in irritability, angry outbursts, reckless behavior, and being easily startled.
Behavior changes associated withchronic stress,anxiety,depression, and fear often go hand in hand with PTSD. People may avoid specific trauma-related stimuli that might trigger flashbacks, such as fireworks reminding them of explosions. People with PTSD can be in a constant state of high alert that disrupts daily life and sleep patterns.
Not being able to unwind can lead to behavioral changes associated with PTSD, such as not wanting to hang out with friends and family (antisocial behavior),not being able to have fun during leisure time, and or losing interest in hobbies or other once-enjoyed activities.PTSD is also linked to risk-taking behaviors like dangerous driving or condomless sex with multiple partners.
PTSD Symptoms Can Vary in Intensity
PTSD symptoms often vary in intensity over time. Some people who are exposed to trauma don’t have any signs or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder for years, but then, one day, they suddenly experience intense PTSD symptoms. This reaction is called delayed-onset PTSD or delayed expression PTSD.
Oftentimes, in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, there’s an initial sense of relief and gratefulness to still be alive. However, over time, PTSD symptoms of varying intensities can gradually arise when vivid flashbacks are triggered. A person with delayed-onset PTSD experiences intense feelings as though they’re living through the trauma all over again.
PTSD Symptoms in Women
When to Get Emergency Help
Get emergency help if PTSD symptoms cause you to think about hurting yourself. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text988for theSuicide & Crisis Lifeline. If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call911immediately.
In Crisis? Call or Text 988
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in anyone who witnesses or lives through a tragic event or series of events. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD and its symptoms, which include avoiding places or thoughts that trigger flashbacks and experiencing unpredictable mood swings.
PTSD sometimes doesn’t surface until years after a traumatic event. If signs of PTSD, such as avoidance, intrusive memories, mood swings, or behavioral changes, have recently emerged and are disrupting your daily life, speak to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. If you’re in crisis and thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988. In emergencies, call 911.
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