Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that happens after a terrifying, traumatic event. Later, PTSD triggers can cause the individual to experience nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety. Learning what triggers PTSD is important so that the individual can figure out how to avoid those triggers. While most people only have temporary problems adjusting after a traumatic event, some people are unable to cope and recover.
What Is PTSD?
The majority of people quickly recover from a difficult event through self-care and time. When someone continues to have problems for months or years, they may have PTSD. This is especially true if the individual is unable to function normally on a day-to-day basis. By getting treatment, individuals can reduce their symptoms and enjoy a better life.
While these symptoms can start within a month of a traumatic event, they may not appear until years later. Someone who has PTSD has major issues dealing with work, relationships and social situations. It may be hard to handle normal life and day-to-day tasks because of the symptoms.
If someone has PTSD, it may cause changes in their thinking and mood. They may suffer from recurrent, intrusive memories. Upsetting dreams, flashbacks, negative thoughts and hopelessness are also common. Experiencing PTSD triggers may cause the symptoms to become worse or reoccur frequently.
What Are PTSD Triggers?
PTSD triggers can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, PTSD symptoms can even come and go. Someone may not even notice their PTSD until they hear a car backfiring or see fireworks. What triggers PTSD depends entirely on the person and their unique condition.
When you have a trigger, it is because your brain connects a scent, sound, sight or something else to the traumatic memory. With PTSD, a memory is not created like normal. Your brain does not perceive the memory as being the past. This means that reminders of the experience can make you go through it all over again.
While each person is different, there are a few common things that can trigger PTSD. Seeing a person, thing or place related to the trauma can set off a reaction. Likewise, seeing a similar trauma on the news or in a movie can set off symptoms. Thoughts, feelings, emotions, scents, situations, sounds and tastes can all trigger PTSD again.
Beginning a Happier Lifestyle
At a PTSD treatment center, individuals can learn how to recognize their PTSD triggers. More importantly, clients learn how to cope with triggers through techniques like muscle relaxation, psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation. Through the right treatment program, individuals can recover from problems like substance use disorders, mental illnesses and PTSD.
In a treatment center, individuals can get help through options such as:
- Gender-specific programming
- Wilderness therapy
- Nutritional, physical, psychiatric and clinical evaluations
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family, group and individual therapy
No one has to deal with the stress, fear and trauma of PTSD alone. At Red Oak Recovery, you can recover from PTSD and start a new page in your life. Find out more about our services by calling us at 866.457.7590 today.
