Raising an Optimistic Child: A Proven Plan for Depresion-Proofing Young Children--for Life
(McGraw-Hill, 2006) by Bob Murray and Alicia Fortinberry

Creating Optimism:
A Proven Seven-Step Program for Overcoming Depression
(McGraw-Hill, 2004) by Bob Murray and Alicia Fortinberry

By Bob Murray, PhD

PTSD is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Here we list the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and what you can do to get help.

Symptoms of Trauma

• Difficulty in concentrating
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Erratic behavior
• Lack of enthusiasm for activities previously considered fun
• Irritability, lethargy, and the desire to stay away from people

These symptoms usually only last a month or so.

Symptoms of PTSD

• Re-experiencing traumatic events (ie, obsessive recollections, flashbacks, nightmares)
• Avoidant symptoms (fear of being with people)
• Signs of hyperarousal (easily startled, irritable)

PTSD usually sets in up to several months after the most recent trauma, and can last years or even a lifetime.

What's Needed

For PTSD, be sure to seek professional help. However, all trauma needs friendly support:

• Encouragement to be with people
• Encouragement to express feelings and fears
• Exchange of needs instead of second-guessing what will help
• Lots of safe exercise, such as walking, and preferably with friends
• Lots of safe exercise, such as walking, and preferably with friends
• Sticking to routines, especially social ones, at home and work
• Reality checks from friends especially around safety (money, job) issues

Top of page

RELATED LINKS

• Article: PTSD and Childhood Trauma
• Fact Sheet: The Latest Depression Statistics and Causes
• Health News: Childhood Trauma and Parenting
• Health News: Stress and Trauma
• Self Help Tips: Helping Each Other Through Tough Times
• Book: Creating Optimism: A Proven, 7-Step Program for Overcoming Depression

Check our event schedule for workshops and seminars.

About the Author

Dr Bob Murray is a widely published psychologist and expert on emotional health and optimal relationships. Together with his wife and long-term collaborator Alicia Fortinberry, he is founder of the highly successful Uplift Program, and author of Raising an Optimistic Child (McGraw-Hill, 2006) and Creating Optimism (McGraw-Hill, 2004).

Disclaimer: The diagnosis and treatment of medical or psychiatric disorders requires trained professionals. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It should NOT be used as a substitute for seeking professional help.