If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or harming others.

OVERVIEW

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic event or series of events. It affects your mood and physical behavior. People who have PTSD have trouble coping with and recovering from traumatic events. You may have acute, or short-term, PTSD that can last for several months. You may have chronic, or long-term, PTSD that can last for several years.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

 PTSD can begin right after trauma or later. Symptoms can include:

• Acting angry or violent
• Feeling anxious or edgy
• Having flashbacks, nightmares, bad memories or hallucinations
• Being uninterested in daily life
• Feeling numb or detached from others
• Trouble sleeping
• Not being able to recall parts of the traumatic event
• Avoiding people or things that remind you of the event

You may not recognize your symptoms or know what they mean.  People with PTSD are often depressed. Sometimes they try to feel better by using alcohol, drugs, or violent behaviors. This can lead to addiction and abuse.

Children who suffer from PTSD may have varied symptoms. These can include:

• Acting out or describing scary events, especially at playtime
• Having extreme temper tantrums, or overly violent behavior
• Forgetting how to talk or not being able to talk
• Becoming dependent on adults and not wanting to be left alone.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

PTSD is caused by a traumatic event or series of events. The event(s) may have threatened your safety or your life. You may be at risk for PTSD if you are a:

• Soldiers, prisoners of war, veterans or victims of war
• Survivors of rape or domestic violence
• Survivor of sexual, physical, or verbal abuse or assault
• Survivor of an unexpected event, such as car wrecks or terrorist attacks
• Survivors of natural disasters such as fire, hurricanes or earthquakes
• Front line worker such as firefighters, police or rescue workers
• Victim of bullying
• Person who has a life-threatening illness
• Person who has anxiety, depression, or a mental disorder
• Person who has experienced grief, such as the unexpected loss of a loved one.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Your health care provider can diagnose PTSD by talking with you about your symptoms and experiences.

PREVENTION

Can post-traumatic stress disorder be prevented or avoided?

Certain people have a higher risk of getting PTSD. Going through a traumatic event does not guarantee you will have PTSD. Some factors can help prevent or lower your risk of PTSD. These include:

• Talking to people or seeking support after the event
• Treating and managing previous or related health conditions, such as anxiety or depression
• Learning how to cope with trauma, especially if it occurs frequently in your line of work, such as when working as a firefighter

TREATMENT

There are several options for treating and managing your PTSD. These depend on the type and severity you have. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to reduce or relieve symptoms. These include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Therapy also is a common treatment. Types of therapy include:

• Psychotherapy, or talk therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Relational therapy
• Play therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Group therapy

A healthcare provider or therapist can teach you techniques to control your PTSD. Getting a service animal, like a dog, can help ease your symptoms as well.

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder

There is no cure for PTSD, but with therapy, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms. This depends on the type and severity you have. PTSD can be managed with ongoing treatment. Without treatment, it can last longer or get worse over time. It also can lead to violence or death. Learning more about PTSD can aid your recovery. Check in your community for help and support groups.

People who have PTSD may have related health conditions, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Personality disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance abuse or an addiction

These other conditions need to be treated, as well. People who have PTSD need to be watched for signs of attempted suicide or violence toward others.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Line (Nova Scotia)

Toll Free: 1-888-429-8167

PEI Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line

1-833-553-6983