The effects ofpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) can be far-reaching and debilitating.
Thesymptoms of PTSDcan have a negative impact on your mental health, physical health, work, and relationships.
People with PTSD are six times as likely as someone without PTSD toattempt suicide.
Verywell / JR Bee
High rates ofdeliberate self-harmhave also been found among people with PTSD.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Spending time with supportive friends and family can make a significant difference in your mood and outlook.
It can be helpful for all partiesboth you and your loved onesto have time to spend together.
Simply sharing the same space quietly can feel comforting.
Just beginning with one or two minutes per day of quiet mindfulness can feel like a victory.
The goal of that time is to stay focused on the present without any threat of fear or judgment.
Research has shown that physical exercise can help our brains better cope with stress.
Being consistent in your participation is helpful to build on your progress, continue growing, and find healing.
Talk with your therapist and see if this might be an option for you.
Work
People with PTSD miss more days at work and work less efficiently.
People with PTSD have higher rates of unemployment than people without PTSD.
These can have a major negative impact on a relationship.
That doesn’t mean they don’t care, it simply means they don’t know what to do.
Carve Out Time
Feeling isolated in our experience is a big part of dealing with PTSD.
Take time to spend with loved ones and practice sharing space with them, interacting, and reconnecting.
There are a couple of different types of triggers that people with PTSD can experienceinternal and external.
The symptoms you are and have been experiencing can be overwhelming and debilitating.
It is not entirely clear as to why people with PTSD have more physical health problems.
This would increase your risk for certain physical health problems, including heart disease.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Unfortunately, only slightly more than a third of people with PTSD are in some kind of treatment.
you’re able to find a mental health provider for PTSD in several ways.
If you are a veteran, all VA Medical Centers provide PTSD care.
The military has programs for its members and their families.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
