PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder often associated with war survivors. However, it doesn’t only happen to those who have been to combats, but people who have experienced other kinds of traumatic events too. Some of these events include assault, illness, displacement, and injury. Note that not everyone who experienced something traumatic may develop PTSD, and not all who were diagnosed with this condition require professional treatment as others get better with the support of loved ones.
Symptoms may appear after a few days of experiencing a traumatic event, while others may show signs of the disorder within three months or even longer. Symptoms may vary from one person to another, and so as their severity. These symptoms include:
- Avoidance. Avoiding anything that has to do or remind them of the traumatic event.
- Reactivity. Examples of this are sleep deprivation, lack of focus, anger, irritability, and being easily alarmed.
- Mood and cognition alteration. Forgetting about vital parts of the traumatic event, ongoing negative emotions, detachment from others, and negative thoughts to oneself.
- Intrusion. Reliving or remembering the traumatic event like it’s happening again.
Proper diagnosis is needed to determine if you have PTSD, and the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better and faster the recovery would be. There are different treatments available, and your mental health provider can help determine the best action to take and go through the process with you.
Cannabis
The use of cannabis for treating PTSD may need more research, but some studies showed promising effects, which is why it is now a popular treatment alternative for those suffering from it. One of the studies showed that the subjects had fewer nightmares related to the traumatic event after taking cannabis. There are herbal blunts that use natural and nicotine-free leaves for smoking cannabis.
The use of marijuana is also known to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression, as it boosts the feel-good hormones, making you feel better. Blunt wraps are also available with terpenes that add a distinct aroma, making the smoking experience better. Some places allow the medical and recreational use of cannabis, so be sure to check with your local regulations to prevent problems with the authorities.
Medication
There are medications used to treat the symptoms of PTSD, used side by side with other treatments like therapy. These medications include antidepressants, as well as medications for treating sleep problems, and anxiety.
Therapy
Therapy is the most popular treatment for PTSD. There are different types of therapies available, including the following:
- Group. People who share the same experience may undergo group therapy to share their experiences with others and make them feel that they are not alone.
- Cognitive processing. This therapy will help patients change their negative beliefs brought about by the trauma.
- Stress inoculation. Helps patients cope with the stress that comes with PTSD.
- Prolonged exposure. Exposure to the things that trigger PTSD symptoms in a controlled environment and learning how to cope with the situation.
If you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from PTSD, consult a mental health professional right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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