It is common for those who have served in the military and actively taken part in violent conflicts to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It is all but expected, and most of these soldiers seek therapy in order to overcome the long term negative effects.
But a person does not have to have directly been involved in open conflict of this nature to suffer the ill effects of the ailment. Any major traumatic life event can result in having mild, or even severe PTSD. But, given that such a strong associating is made between PTSD and veterans, the symptoms in others tend to be completely overlooked.
Hence, it helps to be familiar with the symptoms of PTSD, lest those sufferers who have not been properly diagnosed go untreated.
Anti-Social Behaviour
One of the most common signs of PTSD is anti-social behaviour. A sufferer tends to do everything in their power to avoid being reminded of the traumatic events. This can result in avoiding unfamiliar people and places, given that a reminder may be lurking anywhere. Typically, veterans will retire to remote regions, which help them not have to run the risk of unfamiliar encounters. Fortunately, at least even in the most remote places they can enjoy pokies for Australian players and other activities online.
However, the longer the PTSD sufferer remains in isolation, the more withdrawn they gradually become. Plus, being alone with the traumatic memories may well even deeply cement mental abnormalities. It is important that a PTSD suffered not lock themselves off from others, and make efforts to break free of ‘comfort zones.’
Reliving The Traumas
In cases of extreme, extended trauma, a PTSD sufferer may experience what is referred to as flashbacks. The afflicted may be enjoying a relaxing moment, only to find themselves back in the traumatic moments. Disorientation, abrasive behaviour, and even outright panic attacks may result. This is the clearest, most obvious symptom, though may be mistaken for other mental ailments, if onlookers are not aware of the factors.
Emotional Numbness
As a defence against the trauma, a long-suffering PTSD afflicted will simply shut off their emotions. They will feel little stimulation at all, and often react to even big events with a blank face. This sort of emotional numbness will often result as a combination with anti-social behaviour, one feeding the other.
Nightmares And More
Jumpiness, lack of sleep due to insomnia and nightmares, easily irritated and quick to anger are all also clear signs of PTSD. When seen individually, it can be difficult to link these symptoms to a past traumatic experience. A sufferer not aware of their own affliction may even seek help for one ailment, such as insomnia, while not addressing the underlying core issues.
Getting Help
PTSD can be very disruptive to a normal life, but can be successfully treated by trained professionals. The therapy is often a great relief to those who have struggled, and once treatment has been received, the sufferer will always find their emotional state drastically improved.
Hence, it is important that the symptoms never be ignored.