13 signs you could have post-traumatic stress disorder

There is a strong connection between PTSD and increased drinking or drug use, a behaviour often referred to as self-medication. However, this may turn into substance abuse. Substance use commonly includes misuse of alcohol or the use of marijuana, opiates and benzodiazepines to boost “feel good” sensations. These behaviours can prevent you from fully recovering from PTSD. They often mask your feelings rather than appropriately, and safely, managing them.

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In addition to avoiding people, you may also start steering clear of other daily routines that once represented life inside of a comfort zone, Dr Brown explains. “A good night’s sleep has been out of reach for hours, days, weeks, and possibly months, so you may have also stopped engaging in activities that normally brought you pleasure,” he says. This is common. But if you feel unable to function at all, it’s important to contact a physician.

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People who are in a relationship and suffer from PTSD often find that their romantic relationships become dysfunctional. They may also engage in promiscuous behaviour. “You’ll probably have problems with intimacy, and likely can’t talk about your traumatic experience because it’s just too upsetting,” says Ken Yeager, PhD, clinical director of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

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Concentration may be challenging if you have PTSD. “Even ordering lunch at your favourite restaurant can become difficult as it’s difficult to pick between multiple options,” says Dr Yeager. “For example, you’ll be at the grocery store, but won’t be able to remember the items you came to buy.” As a result, you may feel confused and depressed.

In order to keep yourself safe, you may start looking for things – or threats – that aren’t really there. “You can’t trust authorities, you can’t trust the government, and you can’t trust anyone or anything,” Dr Yeager says. “If you were robbed at gunpoint and now have fear about the world not being safe, watching TV news and seeing stories about robberies and other crimes will reinforce your view that the world is not safe.”

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There are many effective courses of treatment for PTSD ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and art therapy. Of course, medication can help too.

Additionally, if you have turned to self-medicating to cope, check out a 12-step recovery program. Of course, a holistic approach to finding inner peace, like yoga, exercise and meditation, are also helpful.

“The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you will begin to feel better. Left untreated, PTSD can have a devastating effect on a survivor and her or his loved ones,” says Dr Brown. “I know, I’ve been there. The biggest mistake I made when I left the military was not immediately getting the help I needed.”

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Source: RD.com