Are you bipolar or an addict looking for insight from a like-minded soul? Have a loved one suffering from mental illness or addiction and want some inside advice? While I’m not a doctor or medical expert, I can tell you about my experiences with this dual diagnosis and look to support others with replies. Note that your submission may be used in an upcoming blog post, although names will be changed.
This week, Joanne W. writes:
What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder, has traditionally been ascribed to troops coming home from war, who were thought to be “shell shocked” from the ravages of military engagement.
A memorable depiction of PTSD in pop culture occurred in the 1989 Oliver Stone drama Born on the Fourth of July — based on Ron Kovic’s true story — in which Tom Cruise, a Vietnam War soldier who took part in a massacre of Vietnamese villagers mistaken for enemies, experiences terrible lingering feelings as a veteran. In the film, Cruise’s character experiences vibrant, violent dream sequences as well as horrifying flashbacks during regular everyday activity.
Any traumatic experience can trigger PTSD, not just war. Sexual assault, child abuse, a car accident, or any excessively stressful event could trigger PTSD. A family history of anxiety and depression can make a person more vulnerable to PTSD as well as substance abuse.
In my book The Bipolar Addict, Kelly, an actress, was hit by a car as a teenager and flew ten feet, fracturing her skull. To this day she fears crossing streets and has nightmares about the incident. Both are signs of PTSD.
A person suffering from PTSD can experience flashbacks and nightmares, obsessive thoughts and feelings, extreme anxiety, and suicidal ideation. PTSD can develop at any time, from immediately following the incident to years later.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are four types of symptoms for PTSD:
The Four Types of PTSD Symptoms
- Intrusive memories can include flashbacks, nightmares, and extreme emotional stress.
- Avoidance manifests in trying to avoid people or places associated with the traumatic event as well as attempting to avoid thinking about it or shunning places that could trigger memories.
- Negative changes in thinking or mood can include hopelessness, problems with memory, feeling distant from friends and family, and a lack of interest in activities one used to enjoy.
- Changes in physical and emotional reaction can be brought on by startling or loud noises, substance abuse, sleep and concentration problems, guilt, irritability, and aggressive tendencies.
Doctors say that if your distress lasts for a month or more or if you have suicidal ideation, you should seek treatment.
If you’re feeling like you might hurt yourself, you should immediately call 911 and be admitted to the hospital.
While it’s normal to feel negative feelings after a trauma, they usually go away with time. With PTSD, the feelings do not disappear until there is successful treatment.
For resources on treating PTSD, go to the website of the PTSD Alliance.
