37 24TH ANNUAL CRIME PREVENTION GUIDE POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD): ALL AGEs fear and horror you did when the event took place. You may have nightmares. You even may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger: a sound or sight that causes you to relive the event. Triggers might include: • Hearing a car backfire, which can bring back memories of gunfire and war for a combat veteran • Seeing a car accident, which can remind a crash survivor of his or her own accident • Seeing a news report of a sexual assault, which may bring back memories of assault for a woman who was raped 2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event: You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event. Examples: • A person who was in an earthquake may avoid watching television shows or movies in which there are earthquakes • A person who was robbed at gunpoint while ordering at a hamburger drive-in may avoid fastfood restaurants • Some people may keep very busy or avoid seeking help. This keeps them from having to think or talk about the event. 3. Feeling numb: You may find it hard to express your feelings. This is another way to avoid memories. Examples: • You may not have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships • You may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy • You may forget about parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them. 4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal): You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. This is known as hyperarousal. It can cause you to: • Suddenly become angry or irritable • Have a hard time sleeping • Have trouble concentrating • Fear for your safety and always feel on guard • Be very startled when someone surprises you (Information from the National Center for PTSD http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/p tsd/fs_what_is_ptsd0ddb.asp) Other Related Conditions A similar condition to PTSD is Acute Stress Disorder: • Acute Stress Disorder: when one's symptoms have lasted less than 4-weeks • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): when one's symptoms have lasted more than 4-weeks What are other common problems? Untreated, PTSD can lead to many problems, and can essentially prevent a person from leading a normal life. In particular, PTSD can contribute to: • Drinking or drug problems • Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair • Employment problems • Relationships problems including divorce and violence • Physical symptoms Because of all the ways that PTSD can disrupt not just the person's life but the lives of friends and family, it makes it all the more important to get help and treatment for PTSD. Children and PTSD Children can have PTSD. They may have the same symptoms as adults, or they may be different depending on how old they are. Common symptoms may include: • Behaving like they did when they were younger • Being unable to talk • Complaining of stomach problems or headaches a lot • Refusing to go places or play with friends. Young children may become upset if their parents are not close by, have trouble sleeping, or suddenly have trouble with toilet training or going to the bathroom. ►
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