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Dealing with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Part 2 Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that usually develops after one has experienced some type of psychological trauma. This can be after the experience of death, life-threatening experiences, divorce, separation, loss of property, financial loss, re-location of residence, retirement, after witnessing a crime or being held up by criminals. It can also be the result of stress syndrome, witnessing an accident, sexual abuse, medical complications, being held as a hostage, kidnapped, drug addiction or natural disasters like floods and hurricanes. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in persons who relive the negative situation, make efforts to avoid talking about the experience or get into a state of hyper-arousal each time the memory is recalled. Some persons have flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, and poor inter-personal relationships. There are also other clear signs: physical, mental and emotional disorders. Signs and symptoms can be placed in three categories. 1. Re-experiencing: This includes flashbacks, re-living the trauma repeatedly, racing of the heart, excessive sweating, bad dreams of frights and other confrontations. The symptoms can affect everyday routines. 2. Avoidances: Staying away from events, people, or anything that could act as a reminder of the grief, loss or trauma. Sometimes there are feelings of numbness, depression, worry, blame and guilty feelings. Things that act as reminders of the trauma can trigger the trauma disorder. 3. Hyper-arousal: Becomes easily excited, feelings of tension, angry outbursts and irritable behaviors. Self-harm is one of the symptoms that indicate that intervention is needed for such persons. This condition refers to when an individual deliberately injures himself. This can take a number of forms: cutting or burning himself, taking an overdose of medicine, pulling out his hair or eyelashes, inhaling or sniffing harmful substances, tearing his skin that eventually cause sores and bleeding. Nightmares are more evidence that the individual is suffering from PTSD. These are elaborate dreams that cause high levels of anxiety or terror. Dreams are usually horrifying and fearful. Lunney Schnurt has identified and concludes that persons coming from unstable families, or being punished severely during childhood tend to suffer from PTSD in their adult years. Very simple situations can trigger trauma for such individuals. Childhood trauma can create a high sensitivity to everyday issues. Sometimes victims intentionally create problems and seemingly enjoy the attention that they receive from those involved and those who have to render treatment. Recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder or other anxiety disorders can be treated through medication and psychotherapy interventions. With the cooperation of the patient, marked improvement can be made for his mental health status. There is hope for persons who suffer from PTSD. Self-management is important. Every effort must be made to avoid stressful situations, and be able to cope with the condition by doing relaxation activities and adhering to medical directions. Diet is of great importance. Avoid fried foods, red meats, caffeine, sodas and artificial sweeteners. Exercise regularly, practice deep breathing, increase water, vitamin B complex and vitamin C intake. Avoid your stressors and think positively. Pansy Hamilton Brown can be reached at P O Box N-10152, Nassau, Bahamas or E-mail: pansyhamb@hotmail.com Wednesday, November 25, 2009