When to Seek Help for PTSD Treatment in Malaysia?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental condition that has been described as a complex mental disorder that affects the individual’s cognitive, affective and behavioural due to past traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one, being bullied, or an accident.
Indeed, we often hear war veterans or survivors of abuse experience PTSD. However, it has been reported that the prevalence of PTSD in the general population is approximately 3.9%, while the rate amongst people who have been exposed to trauma is 5.6%.
Due to the fact that PTSD may reduce the quality of life of the individual or hinder them from performing daily tasks, it is crucial for the individual to seek PTSD treatment in Malaysia. More importantly, we should arm ourselves with PTSD information and knowledge so that we can assist our loved ones in receiving treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD may first emerge within a month of a traumatic event. However, it is also possible for these symptoms to show up years after the event. It should be noted that there are four different groups to PTSD symptoms, namely; intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in mood or thinking, and changes in emotional and physical reactions. It is also important to understand that these symptoms can vary from one individual to the next.
- Intrusive Memories
- Such as repeated involuntary memories, flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic event, and distressing dreams.
- Avoidance
- Such as avoiding places, people, things, situations or activities that potentially trigger traumatic memories.
3. Negative Changes in Mood or Thinking
- Such as failure to recall significant details of the traumatic event, as well as negative thoughts or feelings that may lead to skewed beliefs about themselves or others.
4. Changes in Emotional or Physical Reactions
- Such as being excessively irritable, having angry outbursts, behaving recklessly or prone to self-destruct.
When Do These Symptoms Manifest?
Although symptoms of PTSD typically manifest within three months following the traumatic event, they may also show up earlier or later than expected. Above all, these symptoms must not be associated with any substance use, medication or other illnesses. A licenced and qualified psychiatrist will diagnose an individual with PTSD, after they experience the following criteria for at least a month:- One re-experiencing symptom
- One voidance symptom
- Two emotional or physical symptom
- Two mood or thinking symptom
What Causes or Triggers PTSD?
PTSD is often caused by extreme distress or traumatic events. The events may be experienced, exposed, witnessed or learnt by the individual, such as, but not limited to:- Military combat
- Sexual abuse
- Traumatic birth
- Natural disaster
- Violence or death
What Are The Side Effects of PTSD?
Individuals who are suspected to suffer from PTSD are encouraged to seek PTSD treatment in Malaysia immediately as the condition may fester overtime. Aside from interfering with daily activities, people suffering from PTSD may be unable to form or maintain healthy relationships; lack of trust in others; severe levels of fear, stress, and worry; low self-esteem; suicidal tendencies; social isolation; and the list goes on.
If you suspect you or your loved ones are suffering from PTSD, then we highly encourage you to contact our consultants or email us. At Green Wings Recovery Centre, we pride ourselves on being the experts in offering our clients quality and trusted PTSD treatment in Malaysia. So, let us help you improve your quality of life by giving you the treatment you deserve.