Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health illness which individuals develop after experiencing traumatizing events such as war or accidents. The events remain vivid in their minds whereby such memories may be disturbing. The victims often feel isolated from the society. The symptoms of this disorder include severe headaches, vomiting, and lower back pain. However, if one is able to cope with such ordeals, that person is considered to be in a position of facing challenging events, or live in a pressurized environment. Whenever a person faces trauma, the muscles contract to protect the body. This enables the human beings and animals to remain alive.
The main difference between animals and human beings is the development of the brain and can adapt easily to new environments. PTSD may lead to depression. Moreover, it causes emotional changes whereby some people turn out to be violent. There are several factors that increase the risk of individuals suffering from PTSD and these are biological, physical and social elements. Biological factors expound how the disorder could be passed on from one generation to another through genes. The brain contains the hippocampus which assists in memory. In case one suffers from a traumatic event, it is damaged leading to a memory lapse.
Physical factors include low self-esteem issues and individuals who are very sensitive and emotional. Support from relatives and family members help ease the level of PTSD. Treatment may be rendered through several ways. These are referred to as therapy which includes cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization.
The patient should be taught the skills to recognize the symptoms whenever they occur. Moreover, lessons on how to think positively are very important. This helps a person cope with the symptoms.
