Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

samkarume

Member
Feb 27, 2009
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POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
(PTSD)

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.
Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.

Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

Intrusive memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
  • Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
  • Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
  • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

Avoidance
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
  • Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event


Negative changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
  • Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships
  • Feeling detached from family and friends
  • Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
  • Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:
  • Being easily startled or frightened
  • Always being on guard for danger
  • Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame
For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:
  • Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play
  • Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event

Intensity of symptoms
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time. You may have more PTSD symptoms when you're stressed in general, or when you come across reminders of what you went through. For example, you may hear a car backfire and relive combat experiences. Or you may see a report on the news about a sexual assault and feel overcome by memories of your own assault.


When to see a doctor
If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you feel you're having trouble getting your life back under control, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.

If you have suicidal thoughts

If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, get help right away through one or more of these resources:
  • Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
  • Contact a minister, a spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
  • Make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional.

When to get emergency help.
If you know someone who's in danger of attempting suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person to keep him or her safe. Call +255 742 550 551 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.



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Kiwewe/Msongo baada ya janga (Post traumatic stress disorder -PTSD) ni Ugonjwa wa Afya ya Akili au tatizo la Kisaikolojia linalomfanya Mtu kubaki na athari ya tukio fulani kwa Miaka mingi. Mfano kubakwa, vita, Unyanyasaji Kijinsia, Ukatili kwa Watoto, Mauaji au Ajali ya kutisha

Dalili za tatizo hili ni Kumbukumbu za ghafla za kile kilichotokea, kusumbuliwa na Ndoto za kutisha mara kwa mara, Hisia za kujitenga/Kuepuka kushikwa kunakotokana na hisia kwamba tukio lile linaendelea kutokea tena

Maumivu ya Kimwili na Kisaikolojia – hisia za kufadhaika sana na Msisimko wa Mwili (Mfano; kupumua haraka, mapigo ya Moyo kwenda kasi) unapokumbana na mambo yanayokukumbusha tukio husika.
 
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