The signs of PTSD

In the aftermath of facing some form of gun violence, survivors (even those who only witnessed it) very often have to deal with varying levels of complex emotions and challenges. Among the many, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD for short) is one of the most common long term complications that survivors of gun violence experience.

PTSD is a mental health disorder that sometimes develops after experiencing trauma (of any kind, acute and/or complex -- for more info about trauma click here). While it's natural to feel afraid during and after such events, PTSD happens when feelings of fear and general anxiety persist long after the immediate danger has passed, disrupting daily life and functioning and possible leading to a multitude of more complex symtoms.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

(note: classifications of PTSD vary slightly within psychotherapy type/fields, as well as within classification manuals)

Re-experiencing events:

• Flashbacks: Vivid and distressing memories of the traumatic event occur, making it feel like you're reliving the experience.

• Triggers: Specific cues or reminders, such as loud noises, screams, and specific locations, can trigger very strong emotional or physical reactions. These are almost always related to the traumatic event(s).

• Nightmares

Avoidance:

• Avoidance of reminders/triggers: Survivors may go to great lengths to avoid people, places, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event, in an effort to numb painful emotions. Unlike the other symptoms on this list this is not nessesarily a debilitating or negative one.

• Emotional numbness (anhedonia): Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, coupled with a diminished interest in activities once enjoyed, are common.

• Avoidance of emotions: Some survivors may attempt to suppress or avoid discussing their feelings about the trauma, fearing that confronting these emotions will exacerbate their distress.

Hyperarousal:

• Hypervigilance: Often feeling altert, on edge or "on guard," while in safe situations, can be a sign of hyperarousal.

• Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia or restless sleep, often accompanied by nightmares, is a common manifestation of PTSD -- this is often coupled by nightmares.

• Irritability and anger outbursts: Survivors may experience heightened irritability and even have difficulty controlling their anger.

Impaired thinking and worsened mood:

• Negative beliefs: Survivors may develop negative beliefs about themselves, others, or the world, such as feelings of guilt, shame, or a distorted sense of blame.

• Loss of interest: A diminished interest in activities once found enjoyable or fulfilling can occur, contributing to feelings of emptiness or apathy. This is a cornerstone symptom of depression, which is often comorbid with PTSD.

• Memory and concentration difficulties: PTSD can impair cognitive function, which makes it harder to focus and remember things.

Variants of PTSD:

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): C-PTSD occurs in long-term and/or recurring (aka complex) trauma. It is more likely to be comorbid with depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and dissasociative identity disorder (DID).

• Acute Stress Disorder: While this is sometimes grouped in with PTSD, many psychologists now consider it to be a different disorder.
  

Seeking Support:

Survivors of gun violence who recognize these signs and symptoms in themselves should understand that they are not alone and that help is available. Before you do anything else, if you suspect you may be suffering from PTSD or a similar disorder, reach out to a psychological professional. The support and information you get trumps anything you could possibly gain online. Seeking in-person support from mental health professionals, support groups, or trusted loved ones can be instrumental in the healing process. Therapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and some mindfulness-based practices have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD.