Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that can develop after exposure to highly traumatic events such as interpersonal violence; bullying), fights, life-threatening accidents, or natural disasters. Symptoms include; distressing , disturbed memory, fixation (daze), nightmares due to trauma, irritability, hypervigilance (increased sensitivity to threats or potential danger), difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, and emotional withdrawal. It is a complex mental disorder and can haunt, affecting individuals after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Each person may experience a variety of reactions after trauma, and most people recover from initial symptoms over time. Anyone can experience PTSD at any age. PTSD can also be felt by people who have experienced or witnessed physical or sexual violence, abuse, accidents, disasters, or other serious events. People who experience PTSD may feel stressed or afraid, even when they are not in danger.
What PTSD symptoms can be seen?
- Flashbacks (remembering the trauma)
Intense re-experiencing of a traumatic event as if it were happening again is one of the symptoms of PTSD. The nightmares you experience seem to repeat traumatic scenes or give rise to deep feelings about the incident. - Excessive fear
Excessive fear, even of harmless situations or objects, is one of the symptoms of PTSD. A person will feel very anxious or afraid for no apparent reason even if the feared event does not happen. - Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Someone who experiences PTSD can be indicated by difficulty sleeping or not sleeping soundly. For example, a person may wake up in the middle of the night and then have difficulty going back to sleep, causing him or her not to sleep until morning. - Drastic change in behavior
A person experiencing PTSD may show changes in daily habits and behavior. For example, the person may withdraw from social relationships or show a tendency to become very irritable or irritable. - Reaction to certain sounds or smells
People with PTSD may exhibit strong emotional reactions to sounds or smells associated with the traumatic event. For example, someone will show a reaction such as experiencing intense anxiety or fear when they hear a sound or smell a certain aroma that reminds them of a traumatic event they experienced in the past. - Hypervigilance (high alertness)
People with PTSD can also show heightened awareness of potential danger and often find it difficult to relax. This person will take better care of themselves and be prepared, even in situations that are actually considered safe. - Excessive feelings of guilt or shame
Someone with PTSD may feel guilt or shame regarding traumatic events that happened to them in the past. In fact, he may experience feelings of guilt even though he is not responsible for the incident.
Causes of PTSD: Exploring the Roots of Trauma
PTSD is generally caused by a traumatic event involving a threat to a person's life or integrity. Some causes involve biological (brain neurochemistry, genetics), psycho-social, including:
- War and organized violence: Being involved in combat, experiencing war, or being a victim of organized violence.
- Physical or sexual violence: Being a victim of or witnessing extreme physical or sexual violence.
- Serious accident: Being involved in or witnessing a serious accident involving risk of life or serious injury.
- Natural disasters and other traumatic events: Experiencing a natural disaster, major accident, or other traumatic event that causes fear and insecurity.
- Recurrent insecurity in certain environments: Living in a situation that is persistently unsafe, for example in an abusive relationship or in an unstable environment.
- Traumatic loss: A loss that feels traumatic, such as sudden death or loss related to a traumatic event.
- Traumatic experiences in childhood: Experiencing significant trauma during childhood, such as domestic violence or sexual abuse.
It is important to remember that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will experience PTSD. Several individual and situational factors may modulate the risk and development of this disorder. A thorough understanding of the causes of PTSD can help in prevention efforts, early identification, and appropriate treatment.
What is the recommended treatment?
There are several treatment methods for PTSD sufferers that can be done, such as:
- Cognitive Therapy (Cognitive Therapy):
Therapists help people with PTSD to understand and change negative thought patterns related to trauma, thereby reducing the effects of trauma resulting from PTSD. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive behavioral therapy can address behaviors that may arise in response to trauma, helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies. - Group therapy:
Participating in group sessions with individuals going through similar experiences can provide emotional support and understanding. - EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy:
This therapy involves controlled eye movements to help individuals process and reduce trauma-related tension. - Pharmacological Treatment:
Some medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, such as antidepressants or anxiolytics. Of course, these drugs must be consumed according to the doctor's instructions to avoid unknown side effects.
In addition to professional therapy, there are several strategies that can help individuals manage PTSD on a day-to-day basis and can be done easily. You can build and maintain positive relationships with others and involve yourself in activities that provide joy and relaxation. Also know the importance of exercise because regular physical activity can also help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
In addition, society also plays an important role in supporting those experiencing PTSD. Breaking down the stigma around mental illness, opening an open dialogue, and providing support are key to creating an environment that supports healing.
Overcoming PTSD is an ongoing journey, and each individual has a unique experience. With deep understanding, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive support, we can help those experiencing PTSD build a path to healing and a better quality of life.
Article written by dr. Nauli Aulia Lubis. M.Ked(KJ), Sp.KJ (Psychiatric Medicine Specialist) EMC Tangerang Hospital.