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What Is Ptsd And How One Develops Ptsd?

 Mar 3, 2023
PTSD: Symptoms, Causes, and Coping Strategies

WHAT IS PTSD AND HOW ONE DEVELOPS PTSD

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Due to traumatic events, many people suffer from PTSD.

  • Symptoms of PTSD vary from person to person due to different reasons causing trauma.

  • On HelloDr, experts can suggest therapies, treatments and remedies for PTSD.

  • BEGAL can detect if the brain is suffering from PTSD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined as a mental illness that can affect people of any age, ethnicity, occupation, or background. It can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist attack, war/combat violence, the sudden death of a loved one, or sexual assault.

It is estimated that 3.5% of the U.S. population have PTSD at any given time, and about 7–8% will experience it during their lifetime; However, women are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men.

 

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can vary from person to person and depend on the nature of the trauma experienced. In general, symptoms can be grouped into three main categories:

  • Reliving the event through intrusive thoughts and images

  • Avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the trauma

  • Feeling constant vigilance (hyperarousal)

 

People with PTSD may also experience anger, guilt, and shame issues around their experiences with the disorder. These symptoms can persist for months or years after the traumatic event and can interfere with daily life.

Causes of PTSD

Although the exact cause of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is unknown, it is thought to be caused by multiple factors, including genetics and environment. For example, if an individual grows up with an abusive parent or in a violent neighborhood, his risk of developing PTSD is higher than someone who did not grow up in these environments. Brain chemistry may also play a role in developing PTSD. When people experience extreme stress, they may release chemicals that affect changes in brain functioning which could then lead to developing PTSD.

 

Factors Contributing to PTSD Development

Several factors can contribute to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They are as follows:

 

  1. Nature and severity of Traumatic Event: One of the most important is the nature and severity of the traumatic event. Events that involve the actual or perceived threat of death or serious injury, or events that are particularly violent or unexpected, are more likely to lead to PTSD.
     

  2. Individual factors: Individual factors also play a role in the development of PTSD. For example, people with a history of prior trauma or a preexisting mental health condition may be more susceptible to developing PTSD. 
     

  3. Context of traumatic events: The context in which the traumatic event occurs can also affect the likelihood of developing PTSD. For example, people who experience trauma in the context of ongoing conflict or violence may be more likely to develop PTSD than those who experience a one-time traumatic event in a relatively stable environment.
     

  4. Other factors: Other factors that can increase the risk of developing PTSD include a lack of social support, poor coping skills, and high levels of stress or adversity in one's life.


Coping Strategies for PTSD

One can use several coping strategies to help manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven effective for some people suffering from the disorder as well as stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, or mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation, which help reduce anxiety levels associated with cognitive processes with trauma. One should also practice regular self-care, such as eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly, which will help reduce stress overall. And lastly, the individual should make sure that he/she has supportive relationships you can turn to when needed, whether it be friends, family members, or therapists who understand what the individual is going through and can provide an outlet for expression when necessary.

 

Treatments Available for PTSD

While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is a common and serious condition that can significantly impact a person's life. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for PTSD, including psychotherapy, medication, and other types of supportive care. With proper treatment and support, many people with PTSD can manage their symptoms and go on to lead fulfilling lives.

 

Find the Right Therapy or Treatment for PTSD on HelloDr

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder is never easy, but there are ways to cope and get help. Therefore, one should not feel alone in his/her journey toward healing. No matter what type of trauma an individual has experienced, he/she should know that professional support exists. That healing is possible if he/she seeks out assistance from qualified professionals. On HelloDr website, one can log in and connect with psychologists. On the basis of online sessions, once they determine the cause of PTSD, they can help that user accordingly with the right therapy or by suggesting the right treatment. 

 

BEGAL can tell if your Brain has PTSD

The brainwaves can be measured by BEGAL, which HelloDr offers. BEGAL is an Electroencephalography (EEG) device that evaluates the EEG signals while monitoring the electrical activity in brain. BEGAL reads brainwaves and tells if the brain has signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Click here to join the waiting list and place your purchase order to get your mental health assistant.