post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)
hello! this is meant to be an educational carrd on ptsd, helping you understand what it is a bit more!
by @finecircus on twitter
disclaimer. the author of this carrd suffers from ptsd.
what is ptsd?
post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a traumatic experience. symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
most people who go through traumatic events may have difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better.
below: tw // mentions of death, injury, violence, sexual assault, abuse, war
causes
tw // mentions of death, injury, violence, sexual assault, abuse, war
the causes are many and different for every case. some people might get it through seeing someone dying, getting injured, going through violence or sexual assault, abuse of any kind, or as a result of a war.
remember that no cause is more valid than another!
types
types can vary, but here are a few types! (don't worry about their exact names, what they represent is important!)
1. simple/uncomplicated ptsd
this is probably the type you know the most about. this type usually comes from one experience in someone's life, which traumatized and marked them for months and years to come. different victims cope differently and for different periods of time.
2. secondary trauma ptsd
this type comes from experiencing the trauma as a bystander, through someone else's eyes or someone unrelated to the event who comes into contact with it later.
3. complex ptsd (c-ptsd)
this type happens after a longer exposure to trauma. this one is usually associated with victims of childhood abuse or longer-lasting traumatic events.
since complex ptsd is the least known-about type generally, here's more info below!
more on complex ptsd
c-ptsd can manifest on a deep level as a result of the prolonged trauma it is caused by.
people who suffer from complex ptsd can suffer from difficulties with attachment, emotions, behavior, dissociation, cognition (attention, judgement, communication), or identity.
it can manifest in adults as well, with significant changes in behavior or daily life. usually it is a consequence of traumatization that begins in childhood.
complex ptsd can increase the chance of other co-existing conditions such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and others.
since its symptoms are generally less obvious, it might go unnoticed.
it is worth noting that psychological abuse is one of the causes of trauma that especially goes unnoticed/excused. complex ptsd might not be considered as a possibility when diagnosing even due to the victim being unaware of their own condition.
disclaimer. the author of this carrd suffers from c-ptsd and is a victim of childhood psychological abuse.
how to help
a person who suffers from ptsd needs professional treatment to overcome their condition. however, a person might not have the means or will to undergo treatment.
in the case of no treatment, the best way to help is simply being there and being understanding. a person with ptsd could be willing to let you in and accept you as a source of comfort or not. in most cases, asking for some limits or any other questions should be fine.
patience is important. ptsd doesn't go away overnight or even over several months or years. progress depends on each person, and on how well they cope with the trauma.
sometimes, just support is the best thing you can give.