4 Unexpected Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is one of the most widely known mental health conditions. While there are some misconceptions regarding everything it entails, almost everyone has at least an idea of what PTSD is and what it looks like.
Most people are familiar with symptoms like flashbacks of a traumatic event, and extreme anxiety/stress over that trauma.
However, there are some unexpected symptoms of PTSD that are just as important to be aware of. Whether you might be struggling or you’re worried about a loved one, understanding some of those unexpected signs can ensure you/they get the right kind of help.
With that, let’s look at four unexpected symptoms of PTSD that could be negatively impacting your life.
1. Extreme Emotions
When you go through a traumatic event, your fight-or-flight response is triggered. If you’re struggling with PTSD, it’s possible that those responses remain at a “high level,” causing your emotions to go to extremes when you’re in a stressful situation.
Even situations that are slightly stressful could cause everything from tears to feelings of hopelessness. Obviously, these extreme emotions can wreak havoc on your everyday life and make it difficult to manage your stress effectively.
2. Insomnia
Insomnia is a problem associated with many mental health conditions, from anxiety to depression.
It can also be an unexpected symptom of PTSD.
If you push yourself all day, trying to distract yourself from the effects of your trauma, you could fall into bed exhausted each night. Unfortunately, when you get there, you start to think about how much you had to keep your mind occupied throughout the day. You might even worry about how you’ll do it all again tomorrow.
Those racing thoughts make it difficult to get the rest you need. Unfortunately, it’s somewhat of a vicious cycle. The less sleep you get, the easier it is to feel fearful and let your thoughts wander.
3. Digestive Problems
PTSD symptoms can manifest themselves physically as well as mentally. One often unexpected physical sign is digestive issues.
When your brain is under constant stress and worry, it sends signals to the stomach that upset it. You might experience stomach pain, difficulty using the bathroom, or even having to use the bathroom too frequently.
No one wants to live their life with an upset stomach. Unfortunately, there can be many potential causes for digestive issues, so make sure you rule out other physical ailments before assuming your discomfort is due to PTSD.
4. You Stay Busy
Do you consider yourself a work-a-holic? Do you try to occupy your time with distractions as much as possible?
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important to ask yourself one question—were you that way before you experienced a traumatic event?
Some people try to fight back against the effects of PTSD by staying extremely busy. Maybe you work longer hours than necessary. Maybe you can’t stand being alone at home, so you’re always involved in some event or activity. You might even socialize more frequently than you used to, simply to give your mind something to do.
Unfortunately, this can lead to becoming too busy and can contribute to burnout and feeling overwhelmed. It can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. If any of these unexpected symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone. They might not be as widely known as other signs of PTSD, but they are just as valid and important. It might also feel like they’re trying to take over your life. Don’t hesitate to seek out professional help and find the peace and relaxation you deserve, no matter what type of trauma you’ve been through.
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