Going through a life threatening event like illness and accidents can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. You might feel helpless, and unable to do the things you love after the event. Eventually, however, you’ll put the memory behind you. The same can’t be said of someone suffering from PTSD. The dread that they experienced from that traumatic event is nearly impossible for them to get rid of and it can last for months or even years.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD for short, is a mental disorder that can affect anyone at any time. All that has to happen is to experience or witness a terrifying or life changing event. Accidents and unpleasant experiences are the most common reasons for PTSD to manifest in a person. Fear is a normal response to danger and PTSD can be interpreted as an extreme version of fear.
Signs of PTSD
Someone with PTSD is not difficult to identify from another person’s point of view. You’ll see a drastic change in how they handle their day to day life and how they interact with others. They’ll be actively trying to avoid the topic of their trauma whether it be trying to talk it out with another or visiting the location of where the traumatic event happened. They are also harder to catch off guard or startle as they’ll be on edge almost all the time.
People suffering from PTSD also go through the extremes of emotions. One person suffering from PTSD might show signs of depression, another might have anger management issues, while another could show signs of both. Those suffering through PTSD are varied in how they handle this mental illness and it is important for loved ones to understand this.
Sleep is either a blessing or a curse for them as they either avoid it as much as possible or over indulge in it. Those who avoid it see sleep as an opportunity for the traumatic event to haunt them in their dreams. Those who spend too much sleeping on the other hand, use sleep as an escape to get away from the pain that they feel in day to day life remembering the traumatic event.
Seeking Professional Help
It’s rare for those with PTSD to ever seek help on their own and you might have to push them in the right direction to do so. It is best to seek professional help as soon as you notice a loved one suffering from the signs of PTSD as it can heavily affect a person’s personality and outlook on life. Younger victims of PTSD especially need professional help as it can affect them until their adult lives and it will be harder to cure by then.
It can be hard to support someone with PTSD but with the right help they can once again live fulfilling lives. All you need is to give them your support and be patient with how their perception of the event has affected them. Soon enough they’ll be back in control of their lives so long as they’re given professional help and the right treatment as soon as possible.
oiradmin July 19th, 2019
Posted In: blog
Everyone wants to be physically fit. To be able to run several miles without breaking a sweat. But not everyone shouts out to the world that they want to be mentally fit. What does running 100 miles matter if your thoughts are clouded and you start lashing out at those running in the game of life with you? If you want to know how to improve your mental health, read on.
Eat a Proper Diet
A proper diet is a great way to maintain your mental health. Go for health food like lean meat, green leafy vegetables, and fish. If the food is filled with sugar, and fat avoid eating too much of it. Avoid food like chips, fast food, and sodas.
And no, a Diet Coke is not an exception.
Eating the wrong kind of food can cause a multitude of problems like hormonal imbalances and an uneven sleep schedule which will definitely affect your mental health in the long term.
Exercise isn’t only a great way to improve your physical health but also your mental health. It is even prescribed by professionals to cure mild depression and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain that gives you that happy feeling after a good jog.
Being alone doesn’t help one’s mental health as we are social beings. Surround yourself with people with a positive outlook in life. You’ll eventually end up smiling in the face of adversity as well.
Make sure to let your friends and family know when things are becoming too much for you to handle. They’ll be more than happy to support you and help you figure out what to do in your darkest hours.
Life is stressful. There is no getting around that, but don’t let stress eat away at your life. Do your best to think of stress as a way to temper your resolve for the future and not as a problem to be worried about. Look for ways to fix the sources of your stress.
Is it your neighbor who keeps playing loud music in the middle of the night? Communicate with them and share your woes. It’s better than bottling it up to yourself.
Is it your job? Try to find creative ways to make your job more meaningful and fun.
Not all problems can be solved however and that neighbor might be too stubborn or your job is just difficult to enjoy. In the end, the best way to manage stress is to throw it out the window every once in awhile and enjoy life.
Do what you love. Take some time out with friends and family while forgetting about the stresses of your job. Take that hiking trip that you’ve always wanted to go to.You deserve to enjoy life.
Don’t let anyone or anything tell you otherwise.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and it shows in day to day life. If you have a friend or family member with a cloud above their head, don’t hesitate to show them how to lead a mentally healthy lifestyle or this blog to shine a little sunlight in their life.
oiradmin July 10th, 2019
Posted In: blog