What is post traumatic stress?

Article Written By: Ben J White

According to statistics, post traumatic stress occurs in up to 30% of people who have experienced a personal injury or traumatic event such as a serious road accident, military combat or even robbery. The disorder was recognised during World War One when soldiers had distressing and horrific memories and nightmares of their time spent in the trenches and war.

People who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder often experience flashbacks which lead to trouble sleeping, concentrating and feeling detached from everyday life. Symptoms tend to happen straight after the event occurs but sometimes it takes several months, or even years after the trauma for the disorder to take impact.

Post traumatic stress disorder is common in certain groups. For example, one in five fire fighters and one in two female rape victims suffer the disorder due to the horror and helplessness they experience. Anyone can be at risk of post traumatic stress disorder if they are exposed to a traumatic event. Risks such as lack of education, coming from a poor background and even being female make you more vulnerable to the disorder.

But what are the symptoms? Recurring memories and flashbacks of the trauma that tend to be distressing and because of this, you tend to avoid places, people and conversations that may trigger these flashbacks. Feeling emotionally numb and loosing loving feelings towards loved ones. People suffering the disorder tend to be pessimistic about the future and loose interest in their hobbies and activities they use to enjoy before the event. Difficulty to fall asleep, outbursts of anger, increased vigilance, difficulty concentrating and they are often startled easily by unexpected actions.

Don't be alarmed if you feel upset or distressed after a traumatic event, this is natural and tends to ease off over the months. Post traumatic stress individuals have the disorder long term and four out of five people suffer other mental problems such as depression, phobias, or drug and alcohol abuse.

On the other hand there are treatments available for those suffering, but if the symptoms are only mild and the trauma happened less than a month ago treatment may not be needed. Medication can be offered to reduce anxiety, but there are non-medication treatments available.

Talking treatments such as anxiety management, counselling or group therapy can help sufferers learn how to relax and get back on train with their lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be advised, where a specialist will help to change your ways of thinking and create a routine in doing so. However, sufferers should be aware that no treatment will and#8216;wipe the slate clean' and self help will be needed to erase the distressing memories.

If a post traumatic stress has occurred to you and you want compensation, a personal injury lawyer can represent your case and claim you money of up to 55,000 if the incident was severe.

About the Author

Ben J White - brain injury compensation and injury solicitors.

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