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what are the symptoms of and treatment options for PTSD? by areen

my article first goes over 3 common symptoms of PTSD, and 3 types of treatment for PTSD as a whole. as other NTC authors have said, please remember that not everyone’s experiences can be put in one article! 


  1. intrusive thoughts and flashbacks can make a warrior feel like they’re re-experiencing the traumatic event, which is very haunting and distressing. this symptom also heavily disrupts their daily lives. 

  2. unintentional negative changes/swings in mood and cognition is also a common symptom. this can include (but is not limited to) a heavy feeling of guilt, shame, or detachment from loved ones. such feelings of guilt and shame are sometimes called “survivor's guilt,” which you may have heard of. it is exactly what it sounds like: those who survived traumatic events that their loved ones didn’t may feel like they didn’t “deserve” to survive. this is unfortunately commonly experienced by PTSD warriors, and can even lead to suicidal thoughts. 

  3. hyperarousal, sometimes defined as “paranoia” or “reactivity to threats,” is the last symptom we will be discussing. simply put, this is when someone always feels like they’re on their toes — but for people suffering from PTSD, it is so much more than that. this symptom puts someone in a constant state of vigilance and tension, which can be draining and hold back someone from everyday activities. 


however, know that with the right support and treatment approaches, those suffering from PTSD can find a way to manage their symptoms!


  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be an effective intervention for a lot of health conditions, and it can help PTSD patients too! by confronting and reframing the negative intrusive thought patterns associated with their trauma, PTSD patients can build healthy and strong coping mechanisms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another form of therapy that has the same effect as CBT: confrontation for healthy coping. 

  2. aside from therapies, medication (antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs) can alleviate symptoms like depression, hyperarousal, and intrusive thoughts. 

  3. an underrated form of treatment is mindfulness exercises and yoga, whether it’s independent or through a group. speaking of, joining a support group for a (vital) sense of community, validation, and guidance throughout the recovery process. 

I hope this article was eye-opening to those reading about PTSD, and potentially even guided someone in their path of diagnosis and recovery!


thank you to these sources for information used in this article:

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