Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Living with PTSD

Causes and Risk Factors of PTSD

Traumatic events are the leading cause of PTSD. Some of these events may include:

• Severe accidents
• Physical or sexual violence
• Abuse, including childhood or domestic abuse
• Witnessing or being indirectly exposed to traumatic events in the workplace
• Severe health conditions, such as intensive care admission
• Traumatic childbirth experiences, including the loss of a baby
• Natural disasters
• The loss of a loved one
• War or armed conflict
• Experiences of torture

• Flashbacks: Relive the trauma as if it’s happening in real-time
• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams about the event or related fears
• Emotional Distress: Intense fear, sadness, or anger triggered by reminders of the event
• Physical Reactions: Sweating, rapid heartbeat, or nausea when exposed to trauma-related stimuli

Avoidance Behaviour

• Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma
• Refusing to discuss or think about the traumatic event

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or blame
• Difficulty remembering details of the traumatic event
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed 
• Detachment from loved ones

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

• Being easily startled or frightened
• Trouble sleeping and concentrating
• Experiencing irritability, anger outbursts, or difficulty concentrating

Treatment Options for PTSD

Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy provides long-lasting effects in the treatment of PTSD. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in particular is a highly effective therapy that supports you by helping you process your traumatic experiences and develop healthier thought patterns and coping mechanisms.

Medications : There are currently no medications specifically for PTSD, however, medical professionals often prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.

Supportive Therapies

Group therapy : This type of therapy encourages you to share your challenges, insights and learning with other people suffering from the same condition, in this case, PTSD. It helps create a sense of community and comradery.

Family therapy : Family therapy is a counselling approach where family members work with a therapist to improve interpersonal communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships. It’s especially helpful during transitions in life, conflicts, or when supporting a family member with mental health challenges. The main focus of family therapy is on fostering understanding, empathy, and healthier family dynamics.

• Daily Coping Mechanisms
  Living with PTSD can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent actions can make a big difference. Focus on building a routine that brings structure to your day. Find moments to breathe, practice mindfulness, or do something that makes you feel grounded. It’s okay to take things one step at a time.
• Building a Support Network
  You don’t have to face PTSD alone. Talk to someone you trust—a friend, a family member, or a support group. Sharing your experiences can be hard, but it’s a powerful step towards healing. Sometimes just knowing someone’s there for you can make all the difference.
• Professional Support
  Mental health professionals can help you work through your trauma by teaching you tools and techniques to manage your symptoms effectively. There are plenty of therapy options that can help you thrive, not just survive. 

While PTSD episodes cannot always be prevented, you can take the following steps to give yourself a better fighting chance:

• Identifying Triggers
  Pay attention to what causes your PTSD episodes. Understanding your triggers can help you prepare yourself before an episode, or even help you prevent the episode by eliminating the trigger. It could be a type of sound, a certain time of the year, or a certain image—knowing what triggers you helps you take control.
• Ongoing Therapy and Support
  Healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay. Regular therapy or check-ins with a support group can help keep you on track. Think of it as maintenance for your mental health—something that keeps you strong even when life throws challenges.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices
  Physical exercise is good for your mind and body, both. Whether it’s a walk outside, getting enough sleep, or eating something that makes you feel good, the small choices add up.