Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder than occurs after an individual has seen or be involved in a traumatic event or several traumatic events.1 In terms of domestic violence, PTSD may occur due to the experience of repeated threats to safety.2
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms associated with PTSD fall within four categories including intrusion, avoidance, changes in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you feel you’ve experienced these symptoms for at least one month and that these symptoms have had significant impacts on your daily activities.1 Click on the chart below to learn more about each of these symptoms. 1, 3
To assess if you may be experiencing PTSD please visit: PTSD Self-Screen
DISCLAIMER: This tool does not diagnose PTSD, however may give you helpful insight about speaking with a healthcare professional.
Coping with PTSD
Coping with PTSD will look different for everyone but there are strategies you can implement to help manage some of the symptoms.4-5 Consider the following question to see what strategies might work best for you.
- On a scale of 0-10 how would you rate your level of distress? (0 = no distress; 10=severe distress).
- If you responded between 0-4 click on the icon in the green box
- If you responded between 4-7 click on the icon in the yellow box
- If you responded between 7-10 click on the icon in the red box
Seeking Medical Help
If you continue to have difficulties with PTSD it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. When speaking with a healthcare provider you may find it helpful to organize your thoughts prior to your appointment. Click here for a worksheet to organize your concerns. Questions to consider as you fill out this form:
- What symptoms have you been experiencing?
- How are these symptoms impacting your life?
- How long have you experienced these symptoms?
- What other medical conditions have you been diagnosed with that would be important to inform this provider?
Key Takeaways
- Survivors of domestic violence are at increased risk of experiencing PTSD.
- It is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have experienced symptoms of PTSD for more than one month and that these symptoms have had significant impacts on your daily life.
- Strategies for coping with PTSD include engaging with social supports, doing an activity, exercising, practicing mindfulness, using relaxation techniques, challenging thoughts, using distractions, or implementing a safety plan.