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Sadia Khan Durrani Supervisor: Sharon Christie Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Slide 2 What is Trauma? It is a very upsetting experience where our mind and feelings are hurt and are unable to preform properly. It upsets our thinking and makes us depress and feel bad. It changes our everyday life. It is caused by a disturbing event Slide 3 Disturbing incidences include: Wars (death, explosions, gunfire) Natural disasters (floods, tornados, fires) Accidents (harmful/fatal accidents) Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional and/or verbal) Slide 4 Symptoms of PTSD can start Right away and last less than 3 months. After few months and last more than 3 months Sometimes there are no symptoms at first but might appear long after the event Slide 5 Symptoms of reliving or re-experiencing trauma includes... Upsetting memories about the event, Anxiety or distress when reminded of the stressful event Flashbacks, where the event seems to be happening again and again, Repeated nightmares of the event, Strong, uncomfortable reactions to conditions that remind you of the event Slide 6 Symptoms of avoidance Avoiding places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the event Being unable to remember important parts of the event Feeling as if you don't care about anything Having lack of interest in normal activities Feeling like you have no future Slide 7 Symptoms of increased distress and fear includes... Anger or bad temper Difficulty paying attention or listening Startling easily Feeling more aware (hyper-vigilance) Having trouble falling or staying asleep Slide 8 Some other symptoms of PTSD Tension or nervousness Dizziness Fainting Feeling your heart beat in your chest Headache Slide 9 Why do some people get PTSD and other people do not? Not everyone gets PTSD Two factors play a part in who gets PTSD and who doesnt You are more likely to get PTSD if you have Risk factors. You are likely not to get PTSD if you have Resilience factors. Slide 10 Risk Factors for developing PTSD You are more likely to get PTSD if; Living through dangerous events and traumas Getting hurt Seeing people hurt or killed Having little or no social support after the event Dealing with extra stress after the event, such as loss of a loved one, pain and injury, or loss of a job or home. Slide 11 Resilience factors Resilience factors that may reduce the risk of PTSD include: Finding a support group after the disturbing incident. Having a coping strategy, or a way of getting through the bad event and learning from it Seeking out support from other people, such as friends and family Slide 12 Women They not only experience a greater number of PTSD symptoms than men, but also experience them more often and for longer time. The most common events for women to develop PTSD can be rape, physical attack, being threatened with a weapon, and childhood physical abuse. Slide 13 Young Childrens Might have extreme reaction to trauma but symptoms might be different Symptoms possible in young children's includes, but not limit to; Having nightmares Acting out the scary event during playtime Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult. Having physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches Losing interest in activities Slide 14 Teenagers Symptoms of PTSD are more like adults May also develop troublemaking, disrespectful, or destructive behaviours. May feel guilty for not preventing injury or deaths. They may also have thoughts of revenge Slide 15 Treatment Treatment depends on people Treatment that works on one person may not work on another. Important to be treated by professional mental health caregiver experienced with PTSD Main treatment includes psychotherapy, medicine or both Slide 16 Psychotherapy It is a talk therapy Involves talking to a professional Can occur one-on-one or in a group Can last 6-12 weeks but can take more time Research shows that family and friend support is an important part of therapy Slide 17 Overcoming PTSD through Psychotherapy Psychotherapy helps people as follows: Teach about trauma and its effects. Teach relaxation and anger control skills. Provide tips for better sleep, diet, and exercise habits. Help people identify and deal with guilt, shame, and other feelings about the event. Focus on changing how people react to their PTSD symptoms. For example, therapy helps people visit places and people that are reminders of the trauma. Slide 18 Medication... They may help control PTSD symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger, and feeling numb May make it easier to go through psychotherapy. Side effects includes headache, nausea, agitation, sleeplessness or drowsiness Slide 19 Helpful hints for yourself Try to rest a bit more Contact friends Have someone stay with you for at least a few hours or periods for a day or so Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even when you dont feel like it) Fight against boredom Physical activity is often helpful Slide 20 Helpful hints for yourself Re-establish a normal schedule as soon as possible Express your feelings as they arise Talk to people who love you Find a good counsellor if the feelings become prolonged or too intense Try to keep reasonable level of activity Slide 21 Help For Family Members and Friends Listen carefully Spend time with the person having PTSD Offer your help even if they have not asked for help Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the family, looking after children Give them some private time Dont tell them that they are lucky it wasnt worse Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and assist them