Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone and have far-reaching effects on every aspect of a person’s life. Often going unrecognised or downplayed, the debilitating condition can be triggered by a stressful event, including a personal injury, perhaps caused in the workplace, or in a public place.

If left untreated PTSD can spiral out of control, affecting confidence and self-esteem, as well as changing a person’s behaviour and impacting on their relationships. This can be devastating, especially if the sufferer is unable to recognise their condition or finds it difficult to open up and talk about their feelings.

Signs of PTSD

There are many symptoms of this disorder, with some of the most common being the occurrence of headaches, anxiety, insomnia, anger, shaking and sweating. Those with PTSD may also seek solace in drugs or alcohol, or frequently suffer from nightmares, flashbacks or panic attacks.

While the symptoms usually affect a person soon after the injury or illness, they can also come on several months after the event and last for many more months, making it difficult to form and maintain relationships, or to lead a fulfilling life.

PTSD comes in many forms and is not always triggered by a traumatic experience, however it is common for it to develop as the result of an accident or injury which happened at no fault to the person involved, causing them to experience extreme emotions like shock, fear, helplessness or horror.

Overcoming PTSD

The first thing any sufferer needs to do is to seek help for their PTSD and thankfully there are many avenues this takes. Whether it is through seeing a doctor to joining a support group, there are many people who can relate and offer guidance and help.

Specialist support is also available from many therapists and counselors who can listen, offer solutions and provide an impartial ear. Doctors or medical professionals can also help and there is access to medication which can often ease the symptoms. You can take help from work injury attorney if you feel that you need to be given the right compensation for all the things you have faced.

As well as professional support, there are many things which can make a difference at home. Learning relaxation techniques can be very effective, especially deep and focused breathing which calms the body and mind, preventing further stress from occurring. Holistic and alternative therapies may also be hugely beneficial.

There is a big connection between mental and physical health so it is important to remain active and not let the disorder take over. Exercise can be particularly beneficial, as can staying involved with a number of other activities which will at the very least provide a distraction.

If undiagnosed and untreated, PTSD can result in personality changes, as well as ending relationships and jobs, leading to hopelessness and lack of earnings. Luckily there are many things which can help alleviate the symptoms and ensure the person with the condition is able to move forward, making positive changes to manage and overcome their condition with time, support and the peace of mind that comes from knowing other people understand and can help.

Composed by Denver, to help enhance physical well-being after a personal injury accident – Hughes Carlisle personal injury solicitors