Post traumatic stress disorder is triggered after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or life threatening event. It is characterized by emotional and physical reactions such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety. It is treated with medication and counselling. On PTSD awareness day, let’s have a look at what trauma and remnants of it can look like in different people after the acute crisis has abated.
Difficulty in setting boundaries : They may have difficulty with saying no. Significantly porous boundaries can take up a lot of mental energy and affect mental well being.
Difficulty trusting people : Trust can become difficult to come by with someone who has been through trauma. This can interfere with building close relationships and may appear as commitment phobia.
Difficulty with emotional intimacy: With difficulty in trusting others and fear of being vulnerable, emotional intimacy can be challenging for some.
Being uncomfortable with touch, difficulty in sexual intimacy: Often physical or sexual assaults are reasons for PTSD. In such individuals, any touch can bring back the flashbacks and make it an aversive experience.
Unable to leave toxic relationships: A toxic relationship can lead to PTSD as well as lead to individuals unable to get out of such relationships. They may have trouble in expressing needs or opinions clearly. There could be fear of not being good enough and issues related to low self esteem. They may not engage in life fully.
Substance use and addiction could develop as a way of coping with trauma and its symptoms
Chronic Physical symptoms: Symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, weakness, chest pains, dizziness can continue for long periods and may be resistant to usual treatment.
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