FAQ on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Posted July 16, 2014 3:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health problem triggered by large-scale ordeals, such as natural disasters, accidents, death, serious injury and sexual violence.
What are PTSD symptoms?
People with PTSD exhibit an array of symptoms such as a deep sense of helplessness, abnormal fear, flashbacks from the traumatic event, feelings of numbness and aversion to social situations.
Physical symptoms include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, irritability, anger, feelings of being overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Who does it affect?
PTSD is often diagnosed in people who serve in the military because of the traumatic experiences they face during combat. But it also affects people who work as police officers, paramedics, firefighters as well as doctors and nurses.
What can be done about it?
The Canadian Mental Health Association recommends people with PTSD talk to a health care professional. Proper diagnosis from a professional health care provider can lead to treatment and eventually recovery.
Click here for more on PTSD.
Compiled with information from the Canadian Medical Health Association and PTSD Association
