To understand PTSD you could do this. Imagine going through the day and being startled or panicked at least, ten times. Over simple everyday things like a car pulling up in the drive way. Or the dog barking. After these episodes, people with PTSD have to calm down. It is a
very exhausting, and difficult illness to live with.

Post Traumatic stress disorder emerges after a person is exposed to a life threatening, or dangerous situation. It can also happen if they view a violent act being perpetrated on someone else. It can take months to several years to start having symptoms. This can either happen in childhood, or as an adult.

A few examples include physical attacks, an accident, abuse, being in a war, or a natural disaster.

The symptoms include a continual fear of crowded places and people. Problems with sleeping. A coldness toward people. Irritability, or aggressiveness.

I have PTSD. Many times people have asked me to explain what it feels like to have the disorder. I can describe it as being in an almost constant state of "fight or flight".

Fight or flight is a response from your body when it senses something bad is going to happen. The heart rate speeds up. Followed by an adrenalin rush. It is a natural reaction to allow you to have all the energy you need to either fight, or run.

One of the worst symptoms is being easily startled. This could be caused by any loud noise. It could be from a car horn. Or construction work. A constant loud noise being the most irritating. This causes panic in a person with PTSD. Depending on how bad they are effected by the disorder, they can easily go back to being in a calm state, or have a "flashback".

A flashback can be triggered by a number of things. They can be noises, or smells. Or a certain time of year. Any of the things that remind them of the trauma they experienced. It can throw them into a depression, or even cause them to lose touch with reality, and relive the incident.

Although I do have times that I can relax, dealing with people is another matter. It always makes me nervous to be in a place with a lot of people, like malls or grocery stores. For other people with PTSD being in a public place can almost be an impossible task.

Although I suffer with PTSD, I am lucky that I still have a good quality of life. However, a lot of people with PTSD don't. My heart goes out to those people.

Learn more about this author, patty smithe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
We want to hear your view. Write now!