On Friday June 27th, we observe National PTSD Awareness Day. PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a reaction to going through or witnessing a life-threatening event. A stressful reaction to an event like that is expected, but if your symptoms last longer than a month or are affecting your ability to function in day to day life, then you may have PTSD.
There are 4 general categories of PTSD symptoms:
- Reliving the event, sometimes through nightmares or flashbacks.
- Avoiding things that remind you of the event.
- An increase in negative thoughts and feelings than before the event.
- Feeling on edge or antsy, constantly on the lookout for danger.
There are many treatment options for people with PTSD. If you think you may have PTSD, consider taking this self-screener: PTSD Self-Screen - PTSD: National Center for PTSD.
Pets, especially dogs, can help those with PTSD manage their symptoms. Pets can create a sense of security and trust, which is important when someone has experienced something traumatic. They can also help to relieve feelings of anxiety and depression by lowering levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing levels of oxytocin which lowers blood pressure and reduces stress.
References:
Help Raise PTSD Awareness - PTSD: National Center for PTSD
PTSD Basics - PTSD: National Center for PTSD
The Healing Potential of Animals for Trauma Survivors | Psychology Today
Dogs and PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD
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Kaitlyn Davis
Research Associate
UTK Program for Pet Health Equity
TN
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