People can experience significant symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Most cases of symptoms occur within the first few months after trauma.
However, symptoms can sometimes take months to develop in some cases.
Some individuals with PTSD may experience more severe symptoms than others.
Some people experience severe, constant symptoms.
Although symptoms of PTSD may vary from one person to another, they generally fit into the following categories.
Re-experiencing
The main symptom of PTSD is reexperiencing.
It is the moment when the victim vividly and involuntarily recollects the event.
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Distressing and repetitive images or sensations
- Feelings of physical sensations like pain, sweating or feeling sick, as well as sensations such as trembling, nausea, and even tingling.
Some people hold negative beliefs about the experience and keep asking questions to prevent them from coming to terms.
One example is when they might wonder about the circumstances surrounding their event and what they could do to prevent it from happening again. This may lead to guilt or shame.
Avoidance and emotion numbing
Another sign of PTSD is the inability to forget about the trauma.
It is important to stay away from people, places and events that may remind you of your trauma.
People suffering from PTSD may try to erase the memories by distracting themselves through work and hobbies.
Many people try to ignore their feelings in an attempt to manage them. This is called emotional numbing.
The person may become isolated or withdraw from others and give up on the activities that they once enjoyed.
Hyperarousal (feeling ‘on edge’)
A person with PTSD might be extremely anxious or find it hard to relax. These people may feel constantly alert to dangers and be easily startled.
This is hyperarousal.
Hyperarousal is often linked to:
- Irritability
- Anger-filled outbursts
- Sleeping problems (insomnia)
- It is hard to concentrate
Additional problems
Many sufferers of PTSD have other issues, such as:
- You may have other mental health concerns, like anxiety, depression or phobias.
- Negative or self-harmful behavior, like drug abuse or alcohol misuse
- Additional symptoms include headaches, stomach pains, chest pains, stomach cramps, and dizziness.
- Sometimes, PTSD can lead to problems at work and breakups in relationships.
Source: NHS