what are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress?

Question

A member of my family died tragically last week after falling off the balcony of the apartment that I rent to him and his younger brother.
i know, legally it is not my fault, as he was drunk, but I am feeling so overwhelmed and stressed.
is this post-traumatic or grief or both?

Answer 1

One week is way too soon to diagnose post traumatic stress disorder. Anyone would feel like that under the situation.

Post traumatic stress disorder includes symptoms of dreaming about or having visions about the distressing event that go on for at least six months.

What you are describing sounds a lot more like Bereavement (grief). It may be a good idea to see a counselor--that is an awful lot to deal with.

One person said "depression"--it's not justified to diagnosis depression only two weeks after an event like that. Features of Bereavement look almost exactly like clinical depression--the way to tell the difference is how long it lasts.

I would say see if you feel exactly the same way after three or four months. If you don't think you are dealing with it any better after that long of a time, talk to a doctor.

Answer 2

Everyone reacts differently to a traumatic event.

But the common reactions are:

Nightmares about the event
Feeling or acting as if the traumatic event were recurring
intense psychological distress when exposed to something that triggers memories of the traumatic event.

Physical symptoms such as sweating, muscle tension and rapid heartbeat when exposed to things that trigger memories of the traumatic event.

The avoidance symptoms:

Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, as well as any feelings associated with the trauma.

Avoiding people, places and activities that trigger memories of the traumatic event.

not remembering an important part of the traumatic event

Losing interest in, and enjoyment of e.g. leisure activities, study, work or stop participating in such activities altogether.

Feeling detached from other people

Being unable to feel joy or have loving feelings

Not be able to see a future for themselves, they don't expect to get married, have a family , live a long time.

The physical arousal symptoms:

Sleep disturbance
irritability or anger
impaired concentration
being easily startled

But as I said, everyone reacts differently.
Hope I helped a lil.

Answer 3

Sounds like both grief and guilt. Its a member of your family that died so tragically, and you subconsciously feel that because you rented the apartment to him that maybe you could have prevented his death. Even though you know their is nothing you could have done. Talk about it. Sometimes talking to others and having others reinforce to you the fact that their is nothing you could have done may help. Give yourself time to grieve. Its a very stressful time for you. You are feeling alot of emotions right now. If after a couple of months you start having nightmares, you may need to talk to a counselor, as this is a sign of post-traumatic stress.

Answer 4

I'm so sorry this happened. I would feel the same way. I suffer from PTSD due to child abuse and rape. Signs of PTSD include nightmares, obsessing on the trauma, hyper vigilance, exaggerated startle response, reliving the trauma over and over again, crippling fear, just to start with. In severe cases psychosis.

I recommend that you talk with a mental health professional. I know this is very hard for you, and even though you are not responsible it sounds like you have a lot of guilt over this. You are grieving and this is normal. A therapist can help you work through this, and you will be a better person for it. Good luck and much love.

Answer 5

If you’re a teen, remember that the teen years are the absolute worst time of your life. I'm surprised any of us survive it. You are struggling with so much stress, pressures, changes, not to mention rape... Your body and mind are trying to cope but ... it's hard, dealing with unpredictable hormones and roller coaster emotions. The brain is a very complicated and delicate thing. It can get messed up and be unable to produce any or enough serotonin, especially from rape. This is called a chemical imbalance which is easily treated, very common and nothing to be ashamed of. You probably do have PTSD. It can cause depression, anxiety, panic, obsession, self harm/self hatred, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, sleeping problems, aggression/rage, anger, phobias, fears, helplessness/hopelessness, hypochondria, ADHD, paranoia, OCD, headaches, lack of interest in things, lack of motivation/ focus and much more. Ask a dr. for anti-depressants. Sertraline is a good one; most people thrive on it and it has no side effects. With antidepressants, you will be much better, happier, calmer, confident, safer and feel normal. What a difference it makes! Therapists are mostly a waste of time and money. They aren’t even allowed to prescribe appropriate meds to help you get better. Don’t stop taking the meds once you start to feel better. You need them, so stay on them. But meds can do only so much. God is the ONLY one who knows what you’re thinking, how you’ve struggled and what you’re going thru. He loves you passionately and wants to be your BFF. He has a super-deluxe custom-made plan for your life that’s beyond anything you ever dreamed of. BUT He waits for us to ask. Invite Him into your heart; ask Him to take over your life and your problems. Find a big, happy church, attend some groups and have fun. Talk with the pastor or youth pastor; he probably deals with this a lot. One thing he would probably ask you to do is do is to forgive than monster who raped you. If you don't forgive him, the memory of it will stay with you forever. Which, in essence, means that he has control of your mind. And best of all, a pastor's counsel is free. God loves you more than you can possibly imagine!! :)

Answer 6

this sounds more like grief.....the human needs to put blame for everything on some one or thing ....you must not let the grief at the loss of a family member to become self blame or you will self destruct over an accident that was never under your control in the first place

Answer 7

It sounds like depression to me...