Even if two people experience the same trauma, their symptoms may not be the same. Some people may delay having any reactions to the trauma for months or even years after it happens, while others may have reactions right away. There is no way to predict
or measure the different effects or trauma and its reaction on different people but there are a few variables that seem to have the most impact. These variables include:
-The extent to which the event was unexpected, uncontrollable, and inescapable. Perceived extent of threat or danger, suffering, upset, terror, and fear.
-Source of the trauma (human-caused is generally more difficult than event of nature).
-Actual or perceived responsibility.
-Prior vulnerability factors (such as genetics, early onset and extent of childhood trauma).
-Negative social environment (shame, guilt, and stigmatization).
-Lack of appropriate social or emotional support.
-Concurrent stressful life events.
-Sexual victimization, especially when a sense of betrayal is involved.
To be clinically diagnosed with ‘Post Traumatic Stress’, one would have to suffer from these symptoms for at least one month’s time and it would have to affect their everyday life. If the person experiences the symptoms for more than 3 months, a chronic PTSD diagnosis is made. Unlike the early days of “shell shock”, doctors and psychologists have a better understanding of this disorder and there are treatment options. Psychotherapy is an option for some people dealing with PTSD. There are a few types of psychology that can be applied such as cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. (http://www.medicinenet.com/posttraumatic_stress_disorder/page5.htm )
Cognitive-behavioral therapy which explores the personal history and history of the trauma with the patient and then employs strategies to help against certain PTSD triggers seems to work very well with many patients. This in combination with anti- anxiety/depression medication can help people with PTSD live a higher quality of life. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/post_traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
Many times, just learning that you are NOT alone, and you are not the only one dealing with these issues can open the door to healing.
Coupled with a PTSD service dog, amazing advances can be made in living with Post Traumatic Stress.
P.T.S.D. - Inform Yourself ....
