Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) isn't confined to war veterans; it can affect anyone who's experienced a deeply disturbing or life-threatening event. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards healing.
These symptoms often fall into four categories. **Intrusion** involves reliving the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. **Avoidance** means steering clear of people, places, or reminders associated with the event. **Negative alterations in cognition and mood** include feelings of detachment, persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions. Finally, **alterations in arousal and reactivity** manifest as irritability, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle responses, and difficulty sleeping.
It's important to remember that everyone experiences trauma differently, and not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly impact your daily life, seeking professional help is crucial. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.
