Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset.
Section 3: Understand PTSD (Lesson 3)
For some, reactions continue and are severe. PTSD symptoms usually appear soon after trauma. For most people, these symptoms go away on their own within the first few weeks and months after the trauma. For some, the symptoms can last for many years, especially if they go untreated.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, avoid doing drugs and alcohol, and take adequate time to relax. Practice mindfulness: Building a regular meditation practice can train your brain to calm down and focus, thereby reducing the symptoms of PTSD episodes.
Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset.
PTSD Relapse Signs
Hyper-arousal, which is a feeling of constantly being “on-guard” and unable to rest. Depression and distance. Changes in sleeping habits. Increased frequency of attacks and flashbacks.
intrusive thoughts or images. nightmares. intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma. physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling.
Symptoms of complex PTSD
avoiding situations that remind a person of the trauma. dizziness or nausea when remembering the trauma. hyperarousal, which means being in a continual state of high alert. the belief that the world is a dangerous place.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.
Intrusive memories
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.
Without treatment, the psychological symptoms of PTSD are likely to worsen over time. Along with severe depression and anxiety, other serious outcomes may include: Increased suicidal ideation. Problems managing anger and aggression.
The Intermediate Recovery Stage
As the last of the four phases of post-traumatic stress disorder, the intermediate recovery phase of PTSD refers to the transition back to everyday life. Once the person has addressed their needs in relation to their safety, they can then shift their attention to other problems.
Presence of one (or more) of the following symptoms of intrusion associated with the traumatic event: Recurrent, intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event. Recurrent distressing dreams about the event. Flashbacks in which the person feels or acts as if the traumatic event is recurring.
Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult.
Symptoms may worsen
As people age, their PTSD symptoms may suddenly appear or become worse, causing them to act differently. It may be unsettling to see these changes in a loved one, but it's nothing to fear. Changes are common and treatment can help.
It can seem like PTSD flashbacks occur randomly for no reason. But, they can be triggered by people or situations that remind you of your trauma. You may or may not realize a situation is a PTSD trigger.
PTSD symptoms can return or worsen due to unexpected triggers, the anniversary of a traumatic event, or unavoidable life events such as the release of an incarcerated offender. It is important to learn the early warning signs so you can take control before your symptoms start to feel unmanageable.
Feeling jittery, nervous or tense.
Women experiencing PTSD are more likely to exhibit the following symptoms: Become easily startled. Have more trouble feeling emotions, experience numbness. Avoid trauma reminders.