Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a violent assault, a natural disaster, a war, or a serious accident. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, avoidance, negative thoughts, and changes in mood and behavior.

PTSD is not a rare or unusual condition. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and some factors, such as genetics, personality, and coping skills, may increase the risk of developing PTSD.

But does PTSD affect everyone in the same way? The answer is no. PTSD is a complex and individualized disorder, and people may have different types and levels of symptoms, different triggers, and different responses to treatment. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that PTSD can vary from person to person, and how to cope with PTSD in a healthy and effective way.

What Do People with PTSD Feel Like?

One of the most common and distressing symptoms of PTSD is re-experiencing the traumatic event. This can happen in the form of flashbacks, which are vivid and intrusive memories that make the person feel as if they are reliving the event; nightmares, which are frightening and realistic dreams about the event; or emotional or physical reactions, such as sweating, trembling, or panic, when reminded of the event.

People with PTSD may also feel a range of emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, shame, sadness, or numbness. They may feel detached from others, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, or have difficulty experiencing positive emotions. They may also have negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world, such as feeling hopeless, worthless, or distrustful.

However, not everyone with PTSD feels the same way. Some people may have more intense or frequent re-experiencing symptoms than others, or they may have different triggers that remind them of the event. Some people may have more emotional symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, while others may have more cognitive symptoms, such as memory problems or confusion. Some people may feel more numb or detached, while others may feel more hyperaroused or agitated.

How Does PTSD Change a Person?

PTSD can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their relationships, work, health, and well-being. People with PTSD may have difficulty forming or maintaining close bonds with others, due to their feelings of detachment, distrust, or fear of being hurt. They may also isolate themselves from others, or avoid situations that remind them of the trauma. They may have trouble communicating their feelings, needs, or boundaries, or they may have conflicts or arguments with their partners, family, or friends.

People with PTSD may also have problems functioning at work or school, due to their symptoms of anxiety, depression, memory, concentration, or sleep. They may have lower performance, productivity, or motivation, or they may miss deadlines, make mistakes, or have accidents. They may also have more absenteeism, turnover, or disciplinary issues, or they may quit or lose their jobs.

People with PTSD may also experience physical health problems, such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle pain, or fatigue. They may also have a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders. They may also engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, using drugs, or eating poorly, which can worsen their health and well-being.

However, not everyone with PTSD changes in the same way. Some people may have more resilience or coping skills, or they may have more social support or resources, that help them overcome the challenges of PTSD. Some people may also find positive meaning or growth from their traumatic experience, such as gaining a new perspective, a stronger sense of self, or a deeper connection with others.

Signs of PTSD

PTSD can be diagnosed by a mental health professional, who will assess the person’s symptoms, history, and functioning, and compare them to the criteria for PTSD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the DSM-5, a person must have all of the following for at least one month to be diagnosed with PTSD:

At least one re-experiencing symptom
At least one avoidance symptom
At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
At least two cognition and mood symptoms

The symptoms must also cause significant distress or impairment in the person’s life, and must not be due to medication, substance use, or another medical condition.

However, not everyone with PTSD meets the full criteria for diagnosis, or seeks professional help. Some people may have subthreshold or partial PTSD, which means they have some, but not all, of the symptoms or criteria for PTSD. Some people may also have delayed-onset PTSD, which means they develop symptoms months or years after the traumatic event. Some people may also have complex PTSD, which means they have additional symptoms, such as dissociation, identity issues, or interpersonal problems, due to repeated or prolonged exposure to trauma.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the possible signs of PTSD, and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma. Some of the signs of PTSD may include:

Having nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories of the trauma
Feeling anxious, fearful, angry, guilty, or ashamed
Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma
Feeling detached, numb, or disconnected from others or yourself
Having negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself, others, or the world
Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Having trouble sleeping, concentrating, or remembering things
Being easily startled, irritated, or aggressive
Having physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope or escape
Having thoughts of harming yourself or others

Will I Ever Be the Same After PTSD?

PTSD can be a life-changing condition, and it can affect many aspects of a person’s identity, personality, and outlook. Some people may feel that they have lost their sense of who they are, what they value, or what they want in life. Some people may also feel that they have lost their sense of safety, trust, or control, or that they have lost their faith, hope, or meaning.

However, PTSD does not have to define a person, or limit their potential. PTSD can be treated, and recovery is possible. Recovery does not necessarily mean that the person will forget or erase the trauma, or that they will return to exactly who they were before the trauma. Recovery means that the person will be able to cope with the trauma, reduce its impact on their life, and restore their sense of well-being and purpose.

There are many effective treatments for PTSD, such as psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a process where the person works with a trained therapist to understand, process, and heal from the trauma. There are different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused therapy, that can help the person reduce their symptoms, change their negative thoughts and beliefs, and develop new coping skills and strategies.

Medication, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or mood stabilizers, can also help the person manage their symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Medication can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, or by a primary care provider. Medication can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy, depending on the person’s needs and preferences.

In addition to professional treatment, there are also other ways that the person can support their recovery, such as:

Seeking social support from family, friends, or other survivors of trauma.

Joining a support group, a peer-led or professionally-facilitated group of people who share similar experiences and offer mutual support.

Practicing self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, relaxing, or doing enjoyable activities.

Learning and using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness, to calm the body and mind.

Seeking spiritual or religious guidance, if that is part of the person’s beliefs or values.

Finding meaning or purpose in the trauma, such as helping others, advocating for a cause, or creating something positive.

Seeking help when needed, such as calling a crisis line, a helpline, or a trusted person, if the person feels overwhelmed, suicidal, or unsafe.

Recovery from PTSD is not a linear or predictable process. It can take time, effort, and patience, and it can involve ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. The person may not feel the same as they did before the trauma, but they can feel better, stronger, and happier than they do now. They can also discover new aspects of themselves, new opportunities, and new possibilities for their future.

Do People with PTSD Realize They Have It?

Some people with PTSD may be aware of their condition, and may seek help or treatment for their symptoms. They may recognize that their reactions are not normal or healthy, and that they are related to their traumatic experience. They may also notice significant disruptions in their daily functioning, such as difficulties maintaining relationships, holding down a job, or participating in activities they once enjoyed. The awareness of these challenges can motivate individuals with PTSD to actively engage in therapy, counseling, or other evidence-based interventions.

On the other hand, some individuals with PTSD may not immediately recognize their symptoms or may downplay their impact on their lives. Denial, avoidance, or a sense of shame can contribute to a reluctance to acknowledge the presence of PTSD. In such cases, it may take time for individuals to connect their current struggles with past traumatic events.

Additionally, the nature of PTSD symptoms, which can include flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbing, may further complicate self-awareness. Some individuals might experience dissociation or a sense of detachment from their own emotions, making it challenging for them to fully grasp the extent of their condition.

It’s important to note that the level of self-awareness can vary widely among individuals with PTSD. While some may actively seek help, others may require support from friends, family, or mental health professionals to recognize and address their symptoms. Creating a supportive environment and fostering open communication can play a crucial role in helping individuals with PTSD realize the impact of their experiences and take steps toward healing and recovery.

What Does Untreated PTSD Look Like?

Untreated PTSD can have serious and lasting consequences for the person and their loved ones. As we have seen, PTSD can affect the person’s psychological, physiological, and social well-being, and can lead to various complications, such as suicidal ideation, substance abuse, chronic health problems, or relationship issues.

Untreated PTSD can also make the person more vulnerable to developing other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, or psychosis. These conditions can worsen the symptoms and impairments of PTSD, and create a vicious cycle of distress and dysfunction.

Untreated PTSD can also affect the person’s quality of life, happiness, and fulfillment. The person may lose their sense of purpose, direction, or meaning, and may feel hopeless, helpless, or worthless. They may also miss out on opportunities, experiences, or achievements, that could enrich their life and bring them joy and satisfaction.

Therefore, it is crucial to seek help and treatment for PTSD as soon as possible, and not to ignore or minimize the symptoms or the impact of the trauma. Getting help and treatment can make a big difference in the person’s recovery, and can help them regain their health, happiness, and hope.

Conclusion

PTSD is a mental health condition that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, avoidance, negative thoughts, and mood changes. PTSD can also affect the person’s relationships, work, health, and well-being, and can increase the risk of developing other mental health problems.

However, PTSD is not the same for everyone, and people may have different types and levels of symptoms, different triggers, and different responses to treatment. PTSD is also not a permanent or hopeless condition, and recovery is possible with the help of professional treatment, social support, self-care, and meaning-making.

If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, do not hesitate to seek help and treatment. You are not alone, and you deserve to heal from your trauma and live a fulfilling and happy life.