Approximately 70% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one trauma in their lives. While the fortunate ones are able to process the event and move forward, 7-8 people out of 100 people struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can interfere with their lives in significant ways.
While flashbacks and nightmares may be the hallmarks of PTSD, the mental health issue can manifest itself in many other ways, some more subtle than others.
To help you identify whether you or a loved one may be struggling with PTSD, the team here at Prime Psychiatry decided to highlight four lesser-known signs of this common disorder so that you can seek the help you need.
1. Survivor’s guilt
You or a loved one has weathered a traumatic experience, but instead of rejoicing in your good fortune, you’re racked with guilt at having survived the event. You question why you made it out of a dangerous situation, while others didn’t, and these thoughts and feelings can lead to excessive doubt and guilt.
Veterans of combat often develop this symptom, but there are other situations that can lead to survivor’s guilt, including:
- Abuse within the family
- Cancer or another life-threatening disease
- Natural disasters
- Outliving your child
This type of guilt can lead to feelings of worthlessness and other destructive thoughts and emotions that erode your sense of self-worth.
2. Regressive behaviors in children
Children often display PTSD in different ways, including regression in their behaviors.
For example, perhaps your child wets their bed again after being potty trained. Or, your child may withdraw and not communicate verbally. They can also become extremely clingy and panic when they’re alone, despite the fact that they were just gaining their independence before the trauma.
Since small children may be unable to communicate their feelings well, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of regressive behaviors following a traumatic experience.
3. Risky behaviors
You might think that practicing more caution would be key after surviving a traumatic experience, but often the opposite is true. Some people engage in potentially harmful behaviors, such as gambling, substance use, or risky sex, as a way to have some control over their lives.
4. Poor overall health
While PTSD and your physical health may not be directly related, studies show that people with PTSD are more vulnerable to health issues, such as:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Colds and flus
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Respiratory issues
The exact mechanism behind this vulnerability is unclear, but remaining in a constant state of fight or flight may wear your body down.
When to seek help
It’s important to note that not everyone who witnesses or experiences a traumatic event goes on to develop PTSD, but for those who do, the signs and symptoms can manifest themselves in any number of ways.
Our point here is that the four symptoms we list above are just examples of the different ways PTSD can present itself, and just because you don’t identify with any of them, it doesn’t mean you’re not struggling with your trauma.
To help you better determine whether you or a loved one may have PTSD, please contact our office in Frisco, Texas, to set up an appointment.