Trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that usually develops after being involved in, or witnessing, traumatic events. Once thought to affect only those involved in war, PTSD can affect anyone.
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What is PTSD?
Of course, it's perfectly normal to feel fear in the face of a frightening or potentially dangerous situation. In fact, this fear is essential to our survival. It triggers reactions in the body that aim to save our lives, should they be threatened. This fight-or-flight response is natural and designed to protect us.
Most people will have a number of reactions after experiencing trauma, although they usually recover soon after the event. For some people, however, these symptoms do not subside. They may feel frightened and stressed, and have flashbacks long after the event, and in so-called normal situations. It's when these symptoms don't go away, and begin to interfere with daily life, that post-traumatic stress disorder can be diagnosed.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is thought to affect one in three people who have undergone a traumatic experience. Why some people develop the disorder, while others do not, is not yet clear. PTSD can develop immediately after the experience, or appear weeks, months or even years later.
Symptoms of PTSD
In most cases, PTSD symptoms develop within the first month following the event. However, in some cases, there may be a delay of months or years before symptoms appear.
Symptoms also vary from person to person. Some people will experience long periods of minor, less noticeable symptoms, followed by periods of more severe symptoms. Others will have severe, constant symptoms, affecting their daily lives.
Although the specific symptoms of PTSD vary from person to person, there are some common symptoms associated with PTSD, which generally fall into the following categories:
Re-experience
The most common symptom of PTSD. Re-experiencing is when a person relives the triggering event. Re-experiencing usually takes the form of flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing images or sensations, and physical sensations such as pain, sweating and nausea.
Some people will constantly have negative thoughts about the event, constantly asking themselves. "Why did this happen to me? Should I have stopped it?"
These repeated questions can prevent them from accepting and coping with the event, often leading to feelings of guilt or shame.
Avoidance and emotional numbing
Another key symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder is the desire to avoid all reminders of the trauma. This may involve avoiding certain people, or places, that recall the event, or talking to someone else about the experience.
People suffering from post-traumatic stress often ignore their memories, "pushing them out of their minds", and distracting themselves with other things, like work for example.
Other people may try to cope with what they're feeling, trying to disconnect completely. Feeling nothing sometimes seems to be the easiest option. This is called emotional numbness. Emotional numbness can lead a person to become isolated and withdrawn. They lose the pleasure of what they used to love.
Hyperarousal
PTSD can lead to a heightened sense of anxiety and difficulty in relaxing. This symptom is more the result of a state of mind; people may be constantly aware of danger and threat, and easily frightened. This is known as hyperexcitation, or the feeling of being "on edge".
Hyperarousal can lead to increased irritability, sleep problems, anger and difficulty concentrating.
Other problems
PTSD can have a detrimental effect on a person's life. In addition to the above symptoms, PTSD sufferers are likely to experience other symptoms related to their condition, such as:
other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or phobias.
physical symptoms, including headache, chest pain, stomach ache and dizziness.
self-destructive or destructive behavior, including drug or alcohol abuse.
Without the right knowledge and support, people suffering from PTSD can feel very alone. In some cases, the condition can lead to broken relationships and work-related problems.
Seeking help for PTSD
After experiencing a particularly distressing event, it's normal to feel confused and upset. For most people, these upsetting thoughts will subside after a few weeks. If you, or your child, are still experiencing problems about four weeks after the event, consider consulting your doctor. He or she will assess your symptoms and feelings and, if necessary, refer you to a mental health specialist.
Traumatic events and experiences can be very difficult to deal with, especially if you're alone. Talking about how you feel, confronting your feelings and seeking professional help can be a very effective way of dealing with PTSD. It's also possible to treat PTSD many years after the triggering event, which means it's never too late to seek help.
How can hypnosis help?
Some people have found hypnosis to be a useful tool for better managing PTSD symptoms. Hypnosis, combined with EMDR* in particular, is considered an effective way of dealing with distressing memories of trauma.
Trauma can cause a person to disconnect from their own sense of inner security. So the sooner the emotions are dealt with and resolved, the quicker the person recovers. Hypnosis can help you cope with trauma and learn how to regain a sense of control and normalcy in your life.
The aim of hypnosis is to access your unconscious mind and modify the negative thoughts that invade you. Using the power of suggestion, hypnotherapy aims to promote positive change. The suggestions used will depend on your symptoms, and what you want to get out of your sessions. The hypnotherapist will adapt the techniques to your needs, helping you to manage symptoms and recognize potential triggers, as well as changing the way you react to them.
*eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
