A disturbing incident involving severe injury or a imminent threat of death can result in post-traumatic stress disorder, a psychiatric condition that lasts long after the event took place. PTSD treatment St Charles MO is possible, but the condition must first be diagnosed, which can only take place if the symptoms are correctly identified. Here are some common PTSD symptoms to watch for.
1. Arousal Symptoms
PTSD involves a persistent feeling that you are under threat long after the danger has passed. As a result, your emotions are still heightened to a level inappropriate to the situation. This can result in changes to your behavior. For example, you may find it hard to concentrate and focus on everyday tasks if you constantly feel that you are in danger. You may also lash out in irrational fits of anger at the slightest provocation.
2. Avoidance
When a certain activity or a particular place reminds you of the traumatic event, you may go out of your way to avoid it, even if it means inconvenience to yourself or those around you. Sometimes avoidance goes beyond things connected to the event, and you may cut yourself off from any contact with others, even family and friends.
3. Memories
When you have PTSD, you not only retain memories of the event, but the memories take control of you so that you cannot help thinking about it. The unavoidable memories can occur while you are awake or asleep, manifesting as flashbacks in the former case and nightmares in the latter.
4. Mood Swings
Sometimes people with PTSD experience mood swings. These can be difficult to identify as it may not seem related to the traumatic event. You may experience feelings of shame or guilt without knowing why. Mood swings related to PTSD may be confused with depression. It is also possible to have both conditions at the same time.
You do not necessarily have to experience the trauma yourself to have PTSD. You may witness it happening to someone else.