Tragedies like the Sandy Hook school shooting, the recent attacks
at the Empire State Building and the theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado leave
many survivors struggling, but why do some people have a harder time coping
with the aftermath of traumatic events than others?
You
don’t have to witness a shooting to suffer from posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). An illness, loss of a loved one, sexual abuse or a
physical assault can all trigger PTSD or cause stress symptoms. While everyone handles trauma differently, researchers
have found predictable similarities in those suffering PTSD or exposed to
severe trauma.
Those
of us on the sidelines of catastrophic events feel pain for the victims and
distress at the apparent senselessness of violence. We may also feel proud of
the bravery of those on the scene and encouraged by the sense of community and
goodwill an event like this can create in its wake.
Those
who live through a life-threatening situation will suffer emotionally in some
way, but not all will develop PTSD. Why do some recover more quickly while
others who go through the same experience develop a chronic psychiatric
condition that requires professional intervention?
People
who have tremendous emotional upset immediately after the traumatic event are
at much greater risk of developing PTSD according a recent report by CNN. It
was previously thought that those who responded calmly were at greater risk of
falling apart later, but research doesn't show that to be true. CNN’s experts
found that people who cope well in the minutes, days and weeks after trauma
typically do well over the long term, while those who become
"unglued" are more likely to having ongoing difficulties in the weeks
and months to follow.
Coping well and staying calm is different from a state called
dissociation. When people dissociate, they tend to feel they are watching
themselves from an outside vantage point. They feel like there is an invisible
wall between themselves and the rest of the world.
A
minority of traumatized people who will develop PTSD, but it is important to
look for PTSD symptoms after a traumatic event. These symptoms include the
following:
· Intrusive
memories of the event, often in the form of flashbacks and nightmares
· Psychological
distress and physical symptoms such as a pounding heart
· Avoidance
or becoming emotionally numb
· Going
to extreme lengths to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma
· Activities
and interests that once bought joy are no longer pleasurable
· Hope
for the future is diminished
· Hyperarousal,
a state that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep and causes
irritability, angry outbursts and difficulty concentrating
· Co-occurring
mental health disorders like depression or substance abuse
· Drug
or alcohol misuse in an attempt to self medicate or avoid unwanted feelings
PTSD Help at The Canyon
If
you see signs of PTSD or suspect a loved one is in trouble, call The Canyon at the toll-free number on our homepage. We are
here 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have about PTSD treatment, financing
or insurance.
