Over the last couple of years, a long sequence of traumatic events have occurred and been extensively covered in the news, including natural disasters for example typhoons and earthquakes, education, and workplace shootings, as well as movie theater. These occasions could be devastating for those personally involved, yet their impact can also be felt by others not directly involved at all.??

Lots of people can go through or hear about such traumatic events and be fine after some time without additional interventions, says Anthony Ng, MD, chief and chief medical officer at Acadia Hospital at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.??

However, many Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Traumatic life events were found to function as the biggest single cause of anxiety and depression in a study by researchers in the University of Liverpool published in 20

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For many, traumatic events including the Boston Marathon bombing and Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting challenge their basic assumptions about how life works, says panic disorder, which often leads to depression, she says.????

Depression and PTSD: What’s the Link???

Individuals who continue to experience extreme symptoms of stress long following a traumatic event may have JAMA Psychiatry, found that about a third of people who suffered from PTSD also had significant depressive symptoms.??

Symptoms of depression include difficulty sleeping, feelings of loss, disillusionment, lack of appetite, and sadness, Firstein says.??

Symptoms of PTSD include:??

• Reliving wounding events through flashbacks or nightmares
• Averting experiences that remind you of the trauma
• Panic attacks
• Physical symptoms for example fast heartbeat, trembling, shortness of breath, or headaches??

Symptoms of PTSD and depression that usually occur together comprise:??

• Trouble concentrating
• Avoidance of societal contacts
• Irritability
• Abuse of drugs or booze??

The best way to Deal With the Effects of Traumatic Events??

“Some of the symptoms are normal after such an event,” Firstein notes. “However, when they continue, you ought to try and get professional help.”??

Dr. Ng. says red flags that you’re not managing well on your own include:??

• Overlooking a substantial number of days of work or school
• Removing from loved ones or people around you
• Experiencing mood swings, such as being irritable and furious to the point that it’s causing difficulties in the home
• Not being able to eat and slimming down
• Being unable to sleep at nighttime. “As an effect, you feel exhausted and can’t function in the daytime,” Ng says.
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others??

Mental health professionals might help. “Psychotherapy; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR treatment (trauma reprocessing using eye movements); and drug have become successful,” Firstein says.??

As well as getting professional help, means to deal with PTSD and depression comprise:??

• Spending more time with friends and family
• Learning as much as you can about PTSD as well as depression
• Taking part in activities you enjoy
• Getting regular exercise
• Learning relaxation techniques
• Joining a support group
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol??

The following resources can help you discover ways to handle trauma as well as depression, as well as assist you to find therapists in your region:??

• Your family doctor.??”Tell your doctor, ‘I Have experienced these symptoms. What can I do?’ Your doctor might treat you or refer you to a psychiatrist or counselor or therapist,” Ng says.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine.??This organization’s staff and volunteers are able to help you will find treatment. Telephone 800-950-NAMI (6264) or e-mail [email protected].
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.??In The Event That you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 800-273-TALK (8255). Counselors are accessible 24/7, and the service is free . confidential and
• The American Psychological Association’s psychologist locator.
• The PTSD Alliance.
• The National Center for PTSD, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.????
• The Stress and Depression Organization of America.

Don’t Dismiss Symptoms That Last??

Unexplained and sudden trauma has always been part of the human encounter, and depression and PTSD are common effects of these events. The best method to handle them will be to be aware of the symptoms and require assistance.

Additional coverage by Beth W. Orenstein.