Most people experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. However, this does not mean all people who’ve experienced trauma struggle with PTSD. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a condition in which an individual experiences chronic distress as a result of struggling with traumatic experiences from their past.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to recognize if you are struggling with PTSD. Keep reading to learn more about what a PTSD episode looks like, and more, below.
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What is PTSD?
Before learning more about what a PTSD episode looks like, it is critical to first understand what PTSD is. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental illness in which an individual experiences chronic stress, anxiety, and distress as a result of a traumatic event(s) from their past.
It’s important to understand that there is a range of traumatic events that can cause someone to struggle with PTSD. For example, veterans are typically more likely to struggle with PTSD than non-veterans because of their increased exposure to traumatic experiences in combat. However, a range of other traumatic events, such as experiencing a natural disaster, a car accident, or physical assault, among other traumatic events, can also result in someone struggling with PTSD.
PTSD can also be spotted through several different common signs, which include experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, feeling detached from your life, constantly feeling anxious or “on edge”, and more.
What Does a PTSD Episode Look Like?
A PTSD episode is when the individual experiences a triggering event in which they relive some part of their trauma. For instance, if you are a veteran who is struggling with PTSD, and you hear a loud noise (ie, fireworks) that resembles the sound of gun shots, this could result in a PTSD episode for you. This is because the loud noise could trigger you and cause a flashback to a time in which you experienced trauma in combat.
There are several signs and symptoms to look out for with a PTSD episode. Some signs of a PTSD episode include:
- Feeling extremely overwhelmed or anxious
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Becoming withdrawn from their surroundings
- Flashback to their traumatic event
- Lashing out at others
- And more
A PTSD episode can be scary because, oftentimes, they can be difficult to avoid. Whenever you or someone you know is going through a PTSD episode, it is essential to remain calm. Consider practicing certain grounding activities, like breathing exercises and avoiding sudden movements or behaviors. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or another mental health disorder, it’s important to consider seeking professional help to effectively manage your symptoms.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about what a PTSD episode looks like. During a PTSD episode, this can trigger an individual to seemingly relive or flash back to their traumatic experience, which can result in experiencing a range of negative symptoms. It is important to remain calm and practice healthy coping strategies (i.e., breathing exercises) to help calm your brain and body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What treatment is best for treating PTSD?
There is a range of effective PTSD treatment options available. For instance, there are various forms of therapy options, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), that can each help manage your PTSD symptoms.
CBT involves changing negative thoughts and behaviors and turning them into more positive thoughts and behaviors. For example, if you find you are constantly ruminating and thinking about your past trauma, talk therapy can provide a safe space to open and discuss potential things that may be triggering these feelings of unease, to make you think about your trauma. And, learn positive ways you can change those ruminating thought patterns into healthier ones.
In EMDR, this approach uses guided eye movements where an individual is guided by a therapist to recall their trauma and go through a series of eye movements, to reprocess their trauma.
How do I overcome PTSD?
PTSD, left untreated, can negatively impact your health, quality of life, and relationships. Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can effectively manage your PTSD symptoms. First, consider seeking professional help for your PTSD. You don’t have to face your trauma all on your own. While it can at first seem daunting to talk about your trauma with someone else, professional mental health professionals can help create a safe space so you feel comfortable opening up about your past, so you can effectively heal and progress in your recovery.
What should I do if I’m struggling with PTSD and addiction?
If you are struggling with both a mental health disorder, like PTSD, and a substance use disorder, it is important to seek dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment will ensure you receive treatment for both your mental illness and addiction at the same time. Otherwise, failure to treat one condition but not the other can increase your risk of relapse.
Unfortunately, many people who struggle with PTSD often abuse drugs or alcohol to help them cope with their symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with both PTSD and drug addiction, it’s critical to consider seeking professional treatment for both conditions so you can lead a healthier, happier life.
