Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder a silent pandemic in Zimbabwe

Pauline Nenerai, Correspondent
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder characterised by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is part of the body’s ‘fight –or –flight response’, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger.
The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. For example, if one is involved in an accident, each time he or she sees an accident, a flash back of the trauma is triggered. They relive the experience and become depressed.
The Chimanimani community experienced the deadly Cyclone Idai which hit the area on 14 March 2019 and claimed scores of lives.
It caused flooding and left a trail of destruction in communities creating socioeconomic challenges. Cyclone Idai left many people dead and many more missing; it was declared a state disaster by President Mnangagwa.
It took long for the survivors to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones, their homes and their belongings. A number of service providers that include UNICEF, Red Cross and many more were on the ground to offer psycho-social services and many other basic needs.
One may know that they are suffering from PTSD by experiencing traumatic memories, avoiding people or things that remind you of the event, not being able to sleep, and feeling anxious. They may also experience flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Flashbacks sometimes feel as though they come out of nowhere, but there are often early physical and emotional warning signs. These signs include a change in mood, feeling pressure in your chest or suddenly sweating. If one is aware of the early signs of flash backs, they may be able to manage or prevent them. PSTD may also come with mood swings, agitation, headaches, problems with memory and concentration. Sometimes it can lead to depression, crying spells and suicidal thoughts or attempts. For some people, loud noises, crowds and flash lights can trigger debilitating symptoms, while to others triggers may be subtle, including smells or locations that remind the individual of traumatic experiences.
There are also unexpected physical symptoms of PSTD such as skin scarring easily, not being able to sleep, ears ringing, gaining weight, digestion may change and one may get frequent aches and pains.
PTSD symptoms usually appear soon after trauma. Humans are different, and thus are affected by PTSD differently. For most people, these symptoms go away on their own within the first few weeks and months after the trauma. While for some people, the symptoms can last for many years, especially if they go untreated.
PTSD treatment can help one regain a sense of control over their life. The primary treatment is psychotherapy, but can also include medication. Combining these treatments can help improve symptoms by teaching the affected person skills to address or manage the symptoms better. Counselling should be offered to survivors to help them cope with the incident .Untreated PTSD can cause permanent damage to the brain due to the person living in a hyper-aroused state. Patients with PTSD may have a co-occurring mental health issue such as depression and anxiety disorder.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy and talk therapy are some of the therapies that can help one heal from trauma. Help on counselling can be accessed from different registered psychologists and counsellors who are all over Zimbabwe.
Counseling sessions can be done physically or online.
*Pauline Nenerai is an educational psychologist.
Comments