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Most people have experienced trauma at some point in their lives.

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Trauma is often identified through disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety or dissociative disorders. A high percentage of adult trauma comes from events originally experienced in childhood and can be retriggered later in life by other events, circumstances, or relationships. 

Once someone exceeds their ability to cope with their trauma, the build-up of stress can be overwhelming and can lead to long-term problems, negatively affecting their ability to freely live life.

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What is PTSD?

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a condition experienced by a variety of people who have experienced extremely stressful, traumatic situations. A stressful situation can be either one very intense event or the prolonged intensity of traumatic events. The symptoms are the same.

 

PTSD symptoms may be severe enough to disrupt functioning and can have serious ongoing emotional effects within a person’s relationships and ability to function on a work or an interpersonal level.

 

PTSD can also lead to substance abuse problems as people try to self-medicate their way out of it. And worse still, sufferers have increased risk for suicide attempts or death by homicide because they often feel like they are living in a constant state of danger.

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First responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical personnel, are at an increased risk of developing PTSD due to the nature of their work, which often exposes them to traumatic situations. 

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It's important to note that not everyone with PTSD experiences the same symptoms, and the severity can vary.

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General signs of trauma can include:

• Hypervigilance: fight, flight or freeze

• People-pleasing

• Co-dependence

• Emotionally and/or physically withdrawn

• Severe fatigue (always tired, not wanting to wake up or leave the bed)

• Suicidal thoughts

• Self-harm: drinking, fighting, substance abuse, gambling, cutting

• Weight gain / loss

• Mood swings

• Behavior changes such as: anger, sadness, confusion, frustration, denial, fear, and/or shame

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Physical and emotional signs of trauma can include:

• Smoking

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Nightmares

• Insomnia

• Difficulty with relationships

• Emotionally unstable, sudden outbursts

• Aches and pains

• Vertigo

• Malaise (feeling ill or general sickness)

• Forgetting to eat, exercise or perform daily routines

• Migraines, memory loss, brain fog

• Loss of hearing

• Loss of sight

• Hair loss / Alopecia

This list is by no means exhaustive. However, it highlights how a traumatic, unexpected or prolonged event can be life-changing, which can affect the health and well-being of an individual and their families.

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Definition and Symptoms of PTSD:

• PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that persist for an extended period after exposure to a traumatic event.

• Symptoms can be categorized into four clusters: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and changes in arousal and reactivity.

• Intrusive thoughts may include flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing memories.

• Avoidance behaviors may involve steering clear of reminders of the traumatic event.

• Negative changes in mood and cognition can manifest as feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional numbness.

• Changes in arousal and reactivity may lead to hypervigilance, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

 

Prevalence in First Responders:

• First responders face a higher risk of PTSD due to frequent exposure to traumatic incidents.

• Traumatic events for first responders can include violent crimes, accidents, natural disasters, and the loss of colleagues or civilians.

 

Risk Factors:

• Frequency and Severity of Trauma Exposure: Those who experience more severe or frequent traumatic incidents may be at a higher risk.

• Lack of Support: Limited social support, both within and outside the workplace, can contribute to the development of PTSD.

• Previous Trauma: Individuals with a history of prior traumatic experiences may be more vulnerable.

• Job Stressors: High-pressure work environments, long hours, and the inherent unpredictability of emergency response work can contribute to stress.

 

Challenges in Identifying and Addressing PTSD:

• Stigma: There may be a reluctance to disclose mental health struggles due to stigma within the profession.

• Normalization of Stress: The culture of toughness and resilience can make it challenging for first responders to acknowledge and seek help for mental health issues.

 

Impact on Professional and Personal Life:

• PTSD can affect job performance, leading to issues like impaired decision-making, difficulties concentrating, and strained interpersonal relationships.

• In the long term, untreated PTSD may contribute to burnout, substance abuse, and a higher risk of suicide.

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