First Responders United
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What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can result from being exposed to a critical incident or traumatic event. The common symptoms of PTSD are:
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- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulties in concentration
- Loss of interest in previous pleasurable activities
- Irritability and Anger
- Dissociation
- Emotionally detached or numb
- Recurring nightmares
- Intrusive memories of traumatic incidents
- Flashbacks
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings and conversations associated with the trauma
- Restricted range of emotions
- Social withdrawal / Detachment from others
- Mistrust of self and/or others
- Restricted range of emotions
- Loss of confidence
- Loss of faith
- Loss of meaning and purpose
- Guilt or shame
- Loss of sex drive
- Lack of empathy
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Addictive or compulsive behaviour
- Hypervigilance (feeling on high alert)
