Ask Ron Besuijen - How to recognize symptoms of PTSD?

Ron's Response:

Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD early is essential for taking action and finding support. PTSD can deeply affect many aspects of life, and if left untreated, it can lead to complications like depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. By identifying symptoms early, individuals can begin their journey toward healing and recovery.

PTSD manifests in several ways, including emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions. Below, the symptoms are divided into four categories, which will help you better understand the various signs to look out for.

1. Re-experiencing Symptoms (1 or more needed for diagnosis):
   • Upsetting memories
   • Nightmares
   • Flashbacks
   • Strong emotional reactions when encountering trauma reminders
   • Physical reactions when encountering trauma reminders
2. Avoidance Symptoms (1 or more needed for diagnosis):
   • Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or memories of the trauma
   • Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger memories of the trauma
3. Changes in Thinking and Mood (2 or more needed for diagnosis):
   • Difficulty remembering parts of the trauma
   • Negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the future
   • Blaming yourself or others
   • Overwhelming negative emotions like fear, guilt, or anger
   • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
   • Feeling emotionally detached from others
   • Trouble experiencing happiness or positivity
4. Symptoms of Feeling "On Edge" (2 or more needed for diagnosis):
   • Irritability or angry outbursts
   • Reckless or self-destructive behaviors
   • Constantly feeling tense or "on guard"
   • Being easily startled
   • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
   • Sleep disturbances (e.g., trouble falling or staying asleep)

While Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms share similarities with PTSD, they are typically less severe and occur for a shorter period. It’s important to address these symptoms early before they develop into PTSD.

In my own experience following a critical system failure, I dealt with feelings of guilt and failure, along with heightened anxiety. These emotions left me in a constant state of alertness, which mirrors the symptoms of PTSD, such as hyperarousal and emotional numbness. I struggled with decision-making due to a lack of preparation for such high-stress situations. However, this experience led me to research cognitive psychology and critical decision-making, ultimately motivating me to write my book to help others in similar positions. I now understand that I wasn’t prepared for that level of decision-making, and I will cover strategies for handling critical events with time constraints in future ProseraPods.

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or others, it’s important to seek help. Early intervention and professional support can make a significant difference in managing PTSD. For those in high-stress environments, understanding how to handle critical situations with limited time and pressure can reduce the likelihood of PTSD symptoms. Stay tuned for future ProseraPods, where I’ll share insights on managing such events and improving decision-making in challenging circumstances.