Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Causes of PTSD

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is the result of experiencing a life-threatening event, some of which are:

War or armed conflict
Car accident
Rape or Sexual assault
Racial aggression
Sex Slave
Domestic abuse
Torture
Witnessing violence or the death of another person.

Such traumatic events can have a lasting emotional and psychological impact. In some regions, including parts of Africa where individuals may be exposed to multiple traumatic experiences, studies report higher prevalence rates of PTSD.

Symptoms

Common symptoms:

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Negative intrusive thinking
Sleep problems
Aggression
Impulsive, reckless behaviours
Poor concentration
Prone to addiction
Anxiety
Being easily startled

Treatment

For people living in Liberia, the chances of adequate treatment are limited.

The recommended treatment in most countries are

Antidepressants such as paroxetine and sertraline.
Talking therapies such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Self-help

Living in a country such as Liberia where there are limited access to mental health treatments and facilities, individual need to know what to do when affected by mental health issues.

Below are some tips, however there are more suggestions across the internet.

Learn about the condition
Speak to someone trustworthy
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Practice breathing and grounding exercises
Practice physical exercises
Keep a diary
Learn about your body and your responses
Be kind to yourself
Avoid conflicting situations