Welcome to Empower the Powerful’s Wellbeing Section
Here you will find information on Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as information on how we can use self care to look after our holistic wellbeing.
Today we are still working to end the great societal stigma we face against talking about mental illness. For this reason, many people are not even aware that they are currently or have previously battled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
I have created this section to bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of these disorders as I believe this information may share clarity into some of the thoughts, sensations, relationships, behaviours, feelings and actions you have experienced.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is common that signs and symptoms of PTSD may not appear until several months or even years later.
Four of the most common symptoms people with PTSD have are:
RELIVING THE EVENT
- Flashbacks or unwanted memories of the trauma
- Seeing, hearing or smelling something that reminds you of the trauma can trigger memories
- Nightmares where you relive the event can also occur
AVOIDANCE
- Avoiding situations, people and places that remind you of the trauma
- Emotional numbness
- Turning to coping mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or overworking to keep your mind off the trauma
FEELING WORSE ABOUT YOURSELF OR THE WORLD
- Feelings of overwhelm, guilt and shame
- Lack of trust
- Lack of pleasure spending time with those you love
HYPER-AROUSAL
- Sudden rushes of anger even at the slightest trigger
- Irritability
- Hyper-vigilance, feeling on edge
- Exaggerated startle response
- Persistent fear, anxiety, depression, anger
- Additional Symptoms
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Difficulty remembering
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- Sleep disturbances
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviour
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
of Depression
The American Psychiatric Association, helps us to identify a major depressive episode through listening the following symptoms which last over two weeks though most of or all day.
- Feeling sad, empty
- The loss or gaining of weight (More than 5 percent in a month)
- Difficulties with sleep (not enough or too much)
- Having difficulty concentrating or being decisive
- Feeling fatigued
- Feeling agitated or severely subdued
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
- Feeling worthless or guilt-ridden
- Thinking about suicide
Going through depression after sexual trauma is common due to the great loss that needs to be grieved for. This could be seen as loss of safety, respect, supportive friends or family, trust, as well as lost hope for a brighter and better future.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
of Anxiety
- Feeling nervous, irritable or on edge
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (Hyperventilation), sweating, and/or trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Difficulty concentrating
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom