Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Understanding PTSD
After a traumatic event, it is common to feel anxiety, stress, or fear for a while. Survivors of sexual violence may experience these emotions more intensely, which can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
While it is normal to have these feelings after trauma, if they last for more than a few weeks and begin to interfere with daily life, it may be PTSD. Without treatment, symptoms can become worse and continue for months or even years.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of PTSD generally fall into three main categories.
1. Re-Experiencing
This involves reliving the traumatic event in ways that disrupt daily life. Examples include flashbacks, frightening thoughts, recurring dreams, or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma.
2. Avoidance
This occurs when a person tries to avoid people, places, or activities that bring back memories of the trauma. It can cause emotional numbness, guilt, depression, or loss of interest in things once enjoyed. Some survivors struggle to feel happiness or recall parts of the trauma and may feel hopeless about the future.
3. Hyperarousal
This refers to being physically alert or tense most of the time. It can include difficulty sleeping or concentrating, being easily startled, irritability, or angry outbursts. Over time, these can make daily activities difficult to manage.
PTSD in Children and Teens
Children and teenagers may show PTSD symptoms differently than adults. Common signs include:
- Bedwetting after being toilet trained
- Loss of speech or refusal to talk
- Acting out the trauma during playtime
- Becoming unusually clingy with a parent or trusted adult
If these behaviors continue, professional help should be sought as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Only a licensed medical or mental health professional can diagnose PTSD. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, how long they last, and results from psychological and physical evaluations that rule out other causes.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Getting treatment early can prevent PTSD from becoming a long-term condition. Treatment should be provided by a clinician experienced in trauma recovery.
The Mayo Clinic recommends several proven treatments that may be used alone or together:
- Cognitive Therapy: Talk therapy that helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Combines thought and behavior therapy to replace harmful beliefs and behaviors with positive ones.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to help process and heal from traumatic memories.
- Exposure Therapy: Helps patients safely face memories or triggers so they can learn to cope effectively.
- Medications: Certain antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can relieve symptoms such as depression, sleeplessness, and poor concentration.
- Support Groups: Group therapy or survivor circles can reduce isolation and promote healing.
Self-Care for Managing PTSD
Healthy daily habits play an important role in recovery.
- Sleep six to seven hours every night and try to keep a regular bedtime
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid situations that cause anxiety, anger, or irritability
- Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, or unprescribed medication
How to Help Someone with PTSD
If you know or suspect someone is suffering from PTSD:
- Offer emotional support, patience, and understanding
- Learn about PTSD and available treatments
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Remember that with time and care, symptoms can improve
Get Help Now
If you are in the United States, the following resources can help you:
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
National Center for PTSD (for Veterans and the Public):
(802) 296-6300
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network:
www.nctsn.org
Mayo Clinic:
www.mayoclinic.org
National Institute of Mental Health:
www.nimh.nih.gov
Anxiety and Depression Association of America:
www.adaa.org
If you are in Haiti, professional mental health resources are limited, but CUASVAHH can help you find available support.
CUASVAHH Sexual Violence Unit
Call 1-888-RELE-536 ext. 1
All communication with CUASVAHH is confidential.