Living with PTSD

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• QHow does PTSD affect the veteran’s relationships at home?

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  A Challenge America answered

  The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can disrupt a veteran’s home life and family relationships. If you suffer from PTSD, you may feel numb and have difficulty expressing your emotions to your loved ones. You may pull away from them or reject their help. You may be edgy, irritable, easily startled, or quick to anger. All of these reactions can try the patience and understanding of even the most loving family. Even though you don’t mean to hurt or discourage them, your loved ones may blame themselves for not being able to help you.
   
• QHow does post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affect the body?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that gradually affects the body. PTSD elevates your risk for depression, alcohol, drugs, and eating disorders, which can lead to the development of certain medical illnesses. Health problems can include cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal problems, and chronic pain.

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• QHow do I manage my post-traumatic stress disorder a daily basis?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on a daily basis starts with seeing a doctor to get the right help. Psychotherapy and medical help may be needed. Medications are available that can decrease anxiety and improve your concentration. Attending therapy, individually or in group sessions, can help to relieve symptoms.

• QShould I make lifestyle changes if I have post-traumatic stress disorder?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Having post-traumatic stress disorder requires some lifestyle changes. Taking prescribed medication as indicated by the doctor can help improve depression and focus. Therapy and counseling sessions, either individually or in group, can teach you ways to cope with your emotions.

• QWho is most affected by post-traumatic stress disorder?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects men, women, and children of all ages. Women are at a higher risk of sexual violence and have a probability four times higher than men to develop PTSD. For men, the events that can lead to PTSD are combat, rape, and child abuse. In women it is rape, sexual molestation, physical attack, child abuse, and a threat of bodily harm with a weapon.

• QWhat activities should someone with post-traumatic stress disorder avoid?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  Avoid using alcohol or drugs to dull the symptoms you are feeling. Talk to someone if you start feeling anxious. Try to stay connected to family and friends and try to keep from isolating yourself. Stay on your medication even if you feel your symptoms are better. Discuss any changes in your medication with your doctor.

• QHow long does post-traumatic stress disorder last?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  The intensity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will lessen over time. Getting treatment for symptoms as soon as possible may stop it from becoming a long-term condition. Continued psychotherapy and drug treatment can help you get better. Even with treatment, some people remain disabled from the symptoms caused by the traumatic event.

• QHow does post-traumatic stress disorder affect my quality of life?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  If untreated, PTSD can begin to affect every aspect of your life. Eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, and fatigue can affect you and your ability to work. This further increases your anxiety and depression. This, in turn, can affect your sleep and lead to a development of other medical illnesses.

• QHow do people with post-traumatic stress disorder describe their feelings?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  “A lot of people with post-traumatic stress disorder say, ‘I feel like a shell of a person, numb, distant, cut off, and detached, not only from my own emotions but from the world around me,”’ says Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist and director of the World Trade Center Mental Health Program.
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com