It’s not only human violence that can cause on-going trauma but other events as well.
When it comes to mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can’t be ignored. Millions of people suffer from it worldwide, and if it becomes severe it can take over your life.
Most of us associate PTSD with overly stressful events, such as serving in the military in extreme combat. But all kinds of situations can bring about stress that won’t go away triggering flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts surrounding the traumatic event.
Related: How to Help Someone With PTSD
What are some of the least talked about?
Sometimes hearing about someone else’s violent story can trigger your own trauma. This is called ‘secondary PTSD’ and while it sounds unlikely, it can happen in therapists and others who try to help victims of the immediate trauma.
Other events that don’t involve human-on-human violence can also cause PTSD in victims. This includes getting a life-threatening medical diagnosis, experiencing a fire, natural disasters, a plane crash or a car accident.
Does everyone who experiences trauma suffer from PTSD? Most everyone has some difficulty coping with trauma when it first occurs, but most people get better. It’s only for some individuals that symptoms persist and can grow worse as time goes on. Experts aren’t sure why some people can’t shake the experience and move on, yet others can.
If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, talk to your doctor and click here for more information.
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