PTSD can be divided into four phases:
- The Impact – the then
– encompasses initial reactions such as shock, fear, and guilt, anxiety, Hypervigilance. - The Rescue – the now
– come to terms with what has happened
– Denial, Confusion, Anxiety, Flashbacks, Nightmares, Despair, Hopelessness, Sadness, Anger, Numbness, Emptiness - The Intermediate recovery – the actions
– adjusting to normal life again. - The Reconstruction – Long term
– rebuilding and continuing to deal with the aftermath of the trauma.
– Fear, Resentment, Depression
Reliving aspects of what happened. This can include: vivid flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is happening right now) … intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma. physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling.
Is PTSD considered a disability?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical condition that may become severe enough to interfere with your ability to work. If this happens you may be eligible for Social Security disability. Unfortunately, the symptoms of PTSD that may qualify you for Social Security disability can be difficult to prove.
For those who do live with PTSD, symptoms can interfere with their daily lives. … (6) If left untreated, PTSD can also increase chances of developing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset.
PTSD and Relationships. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make any relationship difficult. It is hard for many people with PTSD to relate to other people in a healthy way when they have problems with trust, closeness, and other important components of relationships.