PTSD can be defined as "a natural emotional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing experience." It is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.
The events could be anything like a natural disaster, violence, war or torture.
The response could be anything from physical reactions like aches and pains, diarrhoea, constipation to heart flutters, sweating and being easily startled by loud noises.
Young people may also find learning more difficult and have problems with attention and remembering things. They may also become clingy, insecure and anxious or become abusive to themselves or others.
It is normal to go through a period of grieving after a loss, but it may take longer for the feelings to appear if events were violent or disturbing.
Did you know...
During the First World War many British and Commonwealth soldiers were shot as the "cowards" and "deserters" when they refused to fight. Today they would be diagnosed with PTSD.
Treatments for such problems are usually based around talking therapies - such as counselling.
Normal emotional reactions to trauma include:
Shock, disbelief, anxiety, denial, outbursts of anger, irritability, mood swings, nightmares or flashbacks about the incident, loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed.
Sufferers of PTSD may experience:
Feeling guilty about surviving the event, or being unable to change the event. Feeling "emotionally numb". Crying uncontrollably. Isolating oneself from friends and family. Using drugs and alcohol to get through the day. Feeling moody, angry, irritable or frightened. Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too long and experiencing nightmares.
Those who may be affected are refugees or immigrants coming from a country where there is torture or war. Those suffering from, or witnessing a traumatic accident or violence and those who are repeatedly physically, sexually or emotionally abused over a period of time. PTSD can also happen with prolonged extreme cases of bullying where the target repeatedly faces abuse and violence.
TOP TIPS
1. The feelings and events surrounding PTSD can be distressing - in order for them to pass, it is useful to seek help.
2. There are many ways PTSD can show itself. A good guide is if you think you would benefit from discussing an issue with someone - then it's probably worth doing so.
London Rape Crisis Centre 01923 241 600 Counselling line for Women
Refugee Support Network 020 7820 3606 Multi-lingual Counselling & Psychotherapy
Medical Foundation for Care of Victims of Torture 020 7813 7777
Medical treatment, practical assistance and psychotherapeutic support
Anti-Bullying Campaign Prevention 020 7378 1446 (9.am - 5.pm)
Advice and info for young people on bullying
