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How do you know if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Psychological trauma is any physical or psychological threat to an individual’s physical integrity, sense of self, security, or physical survival. A person can experience trauma due to sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. Exposure to severe natural disasters, the occurrence of wars, neglect, and witnessing violence such as domestic violence can also cause trauma. It is worth noting that this is not all of the possible causes of trauma.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a chronic state in which an individual’s neurophysiological responses are awakened when faced with a “potential threat.” The individual will then exhibit a combination of physical symptoms that may include hyperactive alertness, agitation, heavy breathing, or difficulty avoiding physical and emotional contact with others.

The threat is a single circumstance or set of circumstances that reminds the individual of the initial traumatic experience. In this way, the individual will try to avoid any situation that he considers to be a threat. This behavior worsens over time as sensitivity to threats increases.

Severe psychological stress favors the production of cortisol, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. Sugar provides the energy needed to flee or fight (a natural reaction of the body to a perceived threat, whether real or imagined). Cortisol also greatly suppresses the functioning of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce chemicals essential for the body’s various metabolisms, such as digestion, tissue function, growth, development, and mood.

This is why people with PTSD have symptoms such as decreased motivation to have fun, increased isolation, and increased anxiety in social gatherings. Other signs that an individual is suffering from PTSD include aggression, emotional irritability, and general poor health. Therefore, it is vital to do activities that help you overcome the disorder. One of the main signs is the emotional and physical (over) reaction to a situation, in which the person, for example, screams and runs away because he was approached from behind.

To overcome PTSD, if symptoms persist for more than a month, you should seek professional help. There are other things that can be done to help, but it is important to accept that symptoms are a natural reaction to unusual circumstances. Participating in enjoyable activities can be very beneficial, as it gives you “time to rest.” However, these activities should not be too challenging, as this will decrease your enjoyment. Learning meditation techniques like yoga can also play a vital role in alleviating the condition. But never forget to seek professional help if symptoms persist.

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