10 Ways to Recognize Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
After a loss, it is normal to go through a natural grieving process. Sometimes, however, after a tragedy, feelings of loss surface several weeks or months after the tragedy occurred. This is called post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing these symptoms in yourself or others is the first step toward recovery and finding appropriate treatment.
- Re-experiencing the event through vivid memories or flash backs.
- Feeling “emotionally numb.”
- Feeling overwhelmed by what would normally be considered everyday situations and diminished interest in performing normal tasks or pursuing usual interests.
- Crying uncontrollably.
- Isolating oneself from family and friends and avoiding social situations.
- Relying increasingly on alcohol or drugs to get through the day.
- Feeling extremely moody, Irritable, angry, suspicious, or frightened.
- Having difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeping too much and experiencing nightmares.
- Feeling guilty about surviving the event or being unable to solve the problem, change the event or prevent the disaster.
- Feeling fears and sense of doom about the future.
For help dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one, see: Unique concerns when grieving for a sudden loss.
RESOURCES:
American Counseling Association http://www.counseling.org
National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Association http://www.nmha.org
