Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Dear Judy - a friend of mine has been diagnosed with PTSD.  What is it actually? - Francis, Los Angeles

Dear Francis

PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.  This condition may follow after a car accident (where the person develops a phobia about traffic, for example).  The symptoms are flash-backs to the traumatic event, avoiding places and people that remind the person of the event, a feeling of being numb, feeling that nothing matters and that life has lost its color.  They may be unable to sleep, suffer from anxiety and hyperarousal - expecting the worst or being easily frightened.

I trust that answers your question.

Judy

Can a person be treated for PTSD and if so, does it last? - Marion, Coney Glen

Marion

A good question indeed.  Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome will usually resolve itself with time.  In other words, the anxiety passes and the body's natural coping mechanisms come into play.  (Depression for example, is a natural reaction to change and stress).  However, if the PTSD symptoms last too long and the person becomes psychotic, or feels they can no longer cope, it is time for intervention in the form of psycho-therapy and/or medication.

Kind regards
Judy

Depression

Dear Judy
Since my boyfriend and I broke up six months ago I feel as if I have lost the will to live.  Please tell me what I can do.  I hate myself like this.
Marinda, Milwaukee


Dear Marinda
I am pleased you wrote in.
What you describe here is a normal grief process, for whenever we lose someone or something dear, depression is a natural reaction.  It allows our body's to relax to recover from shock and keeps us insulated so that we can think about where things went wrong so that we don't repeat ourselves.
If you do not "bounce back" soon, I would really suggest that you see your doctor.  You have a typical reactive depression.  The doctor can prescribe medication to help you through this patch (a course of antidepressants) and some therapy.  That would be the way to go if you are clinically depressed and this depression of your may have shifted paradigms from reactive to clinical depression.
Let your doctor be the judge.
Kind regards
Judy

Dear Judy

I am desperate for some advice.  I have stopped eating, going out, I sleep a lot more (in fact, I don't want to get up or leave my room some days).  I can't study, I feel miserable all day long and have trouble sleeping.  How will I get through my exams in this state?  I am sure I will fail.

Patrick, Arizona

Dear Patrick

What you describe here is probably a severe depression.  Have you undergone recent trauma such as a house-breaking, car accident or lost someone close to you?  There are many reasons why we can be thrown into a depressive state.  If you would like to look at some of the examples of the types of stressful life challenges which can lead to depression.

Your first course of action is to see your family doctor who will decide whether you are suffering from a deep-seated depression and/or a chronic fatigue illness.

Kind regards

Judy

NB: For anyone who has suicidal thoughts - either speak to someone close to you whom you can trust or phone:

Suicide Hot Line USA: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Toll-free Helpline RSA: 0800 150 150.  (Run by Life Line)

Suicide Hot Line Information in the UK and elsewhere: NO SUICIDE HOTLINE IN YOUR AREA? - If you've searched the suicide hotline listings, but could not find one for your area, keep in mind that some crisis centers may provide an 800 number. You may call this 800 number even if the center is not in your area. You may also call 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255 from anywhere in the U.S.
PHONE BOOK - The White or Yellow Pages of the phone book should also have these types of listings. Many phone books will have these in the front.
EMAIL CRISIS ASSISTANCE - You can get crisis assistance online by contacting the Samaritans. They offer assistance via email. They also may be contacted via telephone for those in the UK. Click here to obtain email assistance now: The Samaritans Web Site.
911 - If all else fails, contact your local emergency number and tell them you are feeling suicidal and need help.