What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Exercise
Complete the following exercise to finish the module.
Exercise 1 - It can be helpful to identify and understand your traumatic stress symptoms. As mentioned in the information section, there are three groups of PTSD symptoms:
- RE-EXPERIENCING WHAT HAPPENED – having distressing memories or feeling like the event is happening all over again when awake or asleep.
- AVOIDING REMINDERS OF WHAT HAPPENED – trying to
avoid thinking about or talking about what happened. Avoiding people,
places or activities which remind the person of the trauma. Feeling
emotionally numb.
- HYPERAROUSAL – feeling constantly anxious and on edge. Feeling unable to relax, concentrate or sleep.
Try to identify what groups your symptoms fit into by looking at the checklist below:
RE-EXPERIENCING WHAT HAPPENED
I have upsetting thoughts about the event
I have nightmares about the event
I sometimes feel as if the event is happening all over again (this is known as a flashback)
I have emotional feelings when I am reminded of the event I have physical sensations when I am reminded of the event (e.g. heart racing, sweating, finding it hard to breathe, feeling faint)
AVOIDING REMINDERS OF WHAT HAPPENED
I try to avoid thoughts, conversations, or feelings that remind me about the event
I try to avoid people, places, or activities that remind me of the event
I have difficulty remembering some important part of the event
I have lost interest in things I used to enjoy I feel detached from other people I feel emotionally "numb"
HYPERAROUSAL
I find it difficult to fall or stay asleep I am irritable and have problems with my anger
I find it difficult to concentrate I am jumpy and get startled easily
I am always "on guard"
