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Post-traumatic Stress Reactions

Understanding post-traumatic stress reactions can help you reach out to survivors of trauma.

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) reactions are normal reactions to a traumatic incident, and they usually diminish and disappear within a few weeks. Most people who have been exposed to a traumatic incident — such as a road traffic accident, work-related accident, physical assault or mass disaster — experience post-traumatic stress reactions.

Common Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Some reactions that can occur after traumatic events include:

Upsetting thoughts, memories, or dreams about the event
Acting or feeling as though the event was happening again
Feeling upset by reminders of the event
Bodily reactions — such as fast heartbeat, churning stomach, sweatiness, dizziness — when reminded of the event
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Irritability or outbursts of anger
Difficulty concentrating
Heightened awareness of potential dangers to yourself and others
Being unusually jumpy or getting startled easily at something unexpected

Support for Someone with Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

The post-traumatic stress sufferer may be reluctant to seek professional help, but this could be beneficial, and the doctor may recommend speaking to a trauma counsellor for support.

Post-traumatic stress reactions can have a negative impact on emotional health.

Caregivers and loved ones of an individual who has experienced a traumatic event can play an important role in the recovery process, as they are in a position to recognise post-traumatic stress reactions early and provide the necessary support. Studies have shown that early intervention following a traumatic event can help reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Be patient and provide reassurance when caring for someone with post-traumatic stress reactions.

Although post-traumatic stress reactions can be distressing, some individuals have experienced positive psychological changes, including having a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life. Researchers have a growing interest in this area of post-traumatic growth. These distressing reactions and positive changes can collaboratively aid in one’s recovery after a traumatic event.

What to Do if Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions Don’t Taper Off

While post-traumatic stress reactions usually taper off within a few weeks of the traumatic incident, some people may continue to experience post-traumatic stress reactions, and these can worsen over time. Specifically, the emotional reactions can become so intense that they impair the person’s functioning.

Therefore, if a person continues to experience post-traumatic stress reactions for more than a month, it is recommended that he/she should consult the family doctor or seek psychiatric help as he/she may be at high risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Counsellors and other mental health professionals may also assist the affected person by making appropriate referrals to a psychiatrist if the post-traumatic stress reactions persist and medication is needed. Psychological medicine services are available in most hospitals.

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This article was last reviewed on Wednesday, November 22, 2023