Awareness of the Month

PTSD Awareness Month

Victims of domestic and/or sexual violence experience a trauma that can last weeks, months and even years after leaving. The ongoing healing process may be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or a combination of all of these. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a common diagnosis following a domestic or sexual assault. PTSD can be experienced by the primary victim, secondary victims, and even professionals who assist victims. It is important that victims and professionals can identify the symptoms of PTSD, understand that it is treatable and how to get help for PTSD.

What are the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

There are four types of PTSD.

1. Reliving the event (also known as re-experiencing symptoms)
    The traumatic event you experienced can stay in your memory, surfacing at any time. This may cause you to feel the same fear you experienced at the time of the event.
    You may experience nightmares, or night terrors, where you see yourself going through the experience, fleeing from your abuser, or additional fears visualized in your sleep.
    You may experience "flashbacks". This is when you feel you are going the event again.
    You may see, hear, or smell something causes you to relive the event. This is called a "trigger". A news report, another person's injury, an argument, the smell of your abuser's cologne or perfume are some examples of triggers.

2. Avoidance
    You may try to avoid people or places that trigger memories of the event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.
    You may avoid crowds, because you feel they are dangerous.
    You may keep very busy, multitasking, to avoid thinking about the event or processing emotions of the event.
    You may avoid those who wish to help you due to your own feelings about the event.

3. Negative changes in feelings and beliefs.
    The way think of yourself and others can change because of the trauma you experienced. Some examples may include:
    You may not have positive or loving feelings for others and may stay away from relationships (including family and friends).
    You may lose trust in people, society or professionals.
    You may believe negative things about yourself, such as "It was my fault this happened." or "I was stupid to stay that long." or "I deserved this."

4. Feeling "keyed up" (also called hyperarousal)
    You may be jittery, always alert, and on the lookout for danger.
    You may feel irritable and angry very suddenly.
    You may have a hard time sleeping.
    You may have trouble concentrating.
    You may have difficulty eating or not feeling hungry.

You may also experience other physical signs that are consistent with PTSD such as:
Heart Palpitations or breaking into cold sweats when you see or hear a trigger
Cleaning obsessively to avoid thinking about the event and/or your abuser
Not taking pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Not feeling close to anyone
Consistent headaches and body aches that are not associated with injuries you may have endured
Feeling sick to your stomach when you see or hear a trigger
Feelings or thoughts of suicide.

Signs of PTSD in friends or family members

A friend or family member may be experiencing PTSD and need help, but may not recognize the symptoms, or feel that their situation is unable to be helped. Here are some signs to look for in a family member or friend who has experienced a traumatic experience:

Isolation from family and friends
Not participating or enjoying activities they used to enjoy.
Change in mood - irritable, angry, frustrated are some examples
Expresses feelings of guilt or shame from event
Is in pain or sick, but has no diagnosis as to why (flu, injuries from the attack, etc.)
Is having problems sleeping, eating and/or concentrating
May be obsessed with cleaning or other multitasking to avoid discussions or thoughts of the event.

What Can I Do?

If you or someone you know may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, there is hope and help!
First, it is important to know that the traumatic experience was NOT your fault! When abuse happens, the abuser is at fault, not his/her victim(s).
Seek help from a professional. If you are not sure who to speak with, consider your regular family physician, a friend or family member who can help you to find the resources, or contact Safe Space at 406-782-8511 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our advocates are trained to help you obtain resources and to help you through crisis.

If You Are Suicidal - Please seek help immediately!
Contact the 9-1-1 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Want to know more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?