Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is among the most common psychiatric disorders, as it is caused by experiencing a traumatic event—a car accident, violent assault, terrorist attack, or even verbal or psychological attack. Data has shown that around 12 million adults in the United States suffer from PTSD during a given year. Still, there are untold more people that suffer a traumatic event that could eventually lead to PTSD.
Because traumatic events can occur at any time and cause far-reaching mental health implications, you have every right to pursue compensation for your injuries. To that end, the proven team of Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford can help accident victims pursue damages from at-fault parties.
What Are the Causes of PTSD?
While the causes of PTSD are widespread and dependent on the individual’s experience, there are still common types of events that typically can lead to PTSD, including:
- Serious car or workplace accidents
- Other accidents that cause serious injury
- Physical assault or abuse
- Sexual assault or abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Work-related exposure to trauma
- Trauma related to serious health problems or childbirth
- Exposure to battle or violent conflict
Moreover, the experience or event that causes PTSD can come over an extended period of time or can occur after a single incident. Whether or not you suffer PTSD depends highly on how you experience trauma. Generally, there is a better chance of developing PTSD if the event occurs unexpectedly or over a prolonged period of time. Furthermore, if you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, you are more likely to suffer from PTSD after a traumatic event, especially if the two events are related.
4 Signs of PTSD
Like the causes, the symptoms present in PTSD vary from person to person. Furthermore, many people suffer from PTSD without seeking treatment. It may cost them their jobs, friends, and relationships with family members. Those who do seek treatment may find relief through therapy and medications, such as antidepressants. But those medical solutions may prove costly over the long term. Here are some signs to watch out for if you feel like you or a loved one could be suffering from PTSD.
You Are Having Trouble Sleeping
One of the most common symptoms of PTSD is having trouble sleeping. Basically, you are reliving the trauma subconsciously over and over. This leads to nightmares, insomnia, or other difficulty sleeping. Furthermore, once sleep problems set in, it exacerbates other PTSD symptoms.
You Are Experiencing Mood Swings
Those who suffer from PTSD often experience wild variations in their mood. Shifts in attitude or demeanor are common after experiencing trauma, and those who suffer from PTSD can develop feelings of hopelessness, dread, or numbness. Also, minor inconveniences like waiting in a long line or getting stuck in traffic can trigger a person with PTSD.
You Are Having Trouble Focusing
While some PTSD sufferers fixate on the traumatic event, others have the opposite problem—their minds are moving at a breakneck pace. This state means the person has trouble focusing on completing everyday tasks that makes it difficult for them to contribute to work or their families.
You Are Being Overly Negative in Your Worldview
Experiencing PTSD is incredibly difficult. Such difficulties can have a disastrous effect on how you see the world. Typically, those who suffer from PTSD have a negative worldview, looking at the world as one full of danger, trauma, and pain. These negative thoughts are common after a traumatic event, as they are a way of regaining control for the person.
How Can a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Help?
When you or a loved one suffer PTSD from a traumatic injury or event caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek all current and expected medical costs as well as compensation for your pain and suffering.
As experienced and compassionate personal injury attorneys in Montgomery and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford can help you. We have over 65 years of experience in dealing with the fallout of personal injury cases, helping you move forward with your life. Contact our office today at (215) 822-7575 or fill out our website’s contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.
