Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma disorder can have a profound impact on one’s life, disrupting daily existence. It is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing a traumatic event, such as war, physical/sexual abuse, or a natural disaster. Individuals may find themselves in a constant state of fear, heightened alertness, anger, or emotional detachment caused by PTSD and trauma disorder. Feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression often ensue, creating a challenge to move beyond the traumatic experience.
When faced with varying degrees of symptom severity, seeking immediate professional assistance is crucial if overwhelmed or struggling to cope with emotions. With the right treatment options, a life of happiness and wellness is attainable, even in the face of the hardships associated with PTSD and trauma disorder.
Understanding The Types of PTSD
There are three types of PTSD: Acute, Chronic, and Complex.
Acute PTSD is the most common type of PTSD. It develops within three months of a traumatic event. Symptoms include reliving the event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people or places associated with the trauma, negative changes in mood and thoughts, and increased anxiety and irritability. With treatment, symptoms typically go away within six months.
Chronic PTSD develops when symptoms last longer than six months. It is less common than acute PTSD but can be more difficult to treat. Symptoms include all of those seen in acute PTSD as well as feeling detached from others, trouble experiencing positive emotions, insomnia, and being easily startled.
Complex PTSD is a condition that can develop when someone has been exposed to multiple traumas or long-term trauma such as child abuse or domestic violence. In addition to the symptoms seen in other types of PTSD, complex PTSD also includes problems with self-esteem, regulating emotions, and dissociation (feeling disconnected from one’s body or mental process).