Have you ever heard of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)? The World Health Organization Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse conducted a study in 2016 that discovered the distinction between PTSD and C-PTSD. People with complex PTSD tend to notice feelings of trauma coming up more often, have more difficulty controlling emotions, are more likely to dissociate, you feel physical symptoms related to your past trauma, are more sensitive to triggers. Watch this video to see if you relate to some of these signs.
Disclaimer: If you recognize yourself relating to some of these signs, we hope that you use the knowledge towards your mental health journey and getting professional support.
Writer: Brie Cerniglia
Script Editor: Caitlin McColl
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera (www.youtube.com/amandasilvera)
Animator: Sun Biscuit
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
REFERENCES
BetterHelp. (n.d.). Dissociation and dissociative disorders. Dissociation and dissociative disorders – Better Health Channel. Retrieved from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dissociation-and-dissociative-disorders
Gilles, G. (2018, September 29). Complex PTSD: Symptoms, tests, treatment, and finding support. Healthline. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from www.healthline.com/health/cptsd
Keeley, J. W., Reed, G. M., Roberts, M. C., Evans, S. C., Robles, R., Matsumoto, C., Brewin, C. R., Cloitre, M., Perkonigg, A., Rousseau, C., Gureje, O., Lovell, A. M., Sharan, P., & Maercker, A. (2016). Disorders specifically associated with stress: A case-controlled field study for ICD-11 mental and behavioural disorders. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 16(2), 109–127. doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2015.09.002
Leonard, J., & Kubala, K. (2022, February 2). Complex PTSD (CPTSD): Causes, symptoms, behaviors, recovery. Medical News Today. Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322886#symptoms
Torres, F. (2020, August). What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
Tull, M. (2022, January 18). How a diagnosis of Complex PTSD differs from PTSD. Verywell Mind. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com/what-is-complex-ptsd-2797491
WebMD Editorial Contributors, & Brennan, D. (2021, April 12). What is complex PTSD? the symptoms caused by chronic trauma. WebMD. Retrieved from www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-to-know-complex-ptsd-symptoms
Depression Symptoms and Treatment
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Depression Symptoms and Treatment
To prevent the development of depression, you must seek professional help. Your healthcare provider may diagnose depression by considering symptoms and conducting a psychological evaluation. Some depression symptoms are triggered by other health conditions. For example, thyroid problems or vitamin D deficiency can cause some of the symptoms associated with depression. Depending on the severity of the depression, the healthcare professional may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Often, a combination of tests is used to diagnose the condition and determine the best course of treatment.
Some treatment options include SSRIs (sodium-sulfate-repinephrine-dihydrochloride) or antipsychotic drugs. Some supplements are derived from natural substances and may interfere with certain medications. For instance, St. John’s Wort may interact with certain prescription drugs, including birth control pills and antidepressants. Before trying any alternative treatment, be sure to discuss any possible interactions with your doctor or therapist. You should also avoid abruptly stopping any medication unless it is advised by your doctor. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms may be severe.
In cases where lifestyle changes or medication don’t work, you should consider visiting a psychiatrist or primary care physician. Some physicians perform a brief screening for depression as part of routine exams. If your symptoms are severe, ask your physician for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is critical to seek help as soon as possible because it may take months or even years to recover completely from depression. It’s never too late to seek help. Your family members may also benefit from information about depression.
Despite the stigma associated with depression, many people who suffer from depression don’t seek help. They either try to tough it out on their own or turn to drugs and alcohol to mask the symptoms. However, seeking help and professional help will make it easier to manage symptoms and return to normal activity. The treatment for depression is typically a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop better coping skills. It also helps you develop a more positive outlook and encourages you to pursue your daily activities.
The symptoms of depression vary from person to person. In younger adults, a person may experience irritability, a lack of concentration, low libido, and weight gain. Middle-aged adults may also exhibit signs of depression, such as weight gain or hypersomnia. Some people experience increased appetite and gastrointestinal symptoms. While a doctor may be necessary to diagnose depression, it is usually best to seek treatment in order to prevent further progression of the disease.
A doctor can safely adjust a medication if necessary. If your symptoms persist, discuss them with your family. Your family members can provide support and education about the symptoms of depression. A trusted therapist can also offer feedback on ways to handle life’s challenges in a positive way. Once you recognize what triggers your depression, it will be easier to make changes to combat the condition. In addition to counseling, recognizing what makes you feel sad or irritable is crucial for treating depression.
