Unpacking Mental Health Issues: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Southerton Business Times
12 hours ago
3 min read

A professional mental health consultation taking place at a clinic specializing in trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Whilst the COVID-19 era has come and gone, what lingers are horrific memories of our loved ones who succumbed to this global intruder. It caused scary and traumatic moments. When my mum and grandpa tested positive for COVID-19 in 2021, we urgently traveled over 100 km to assure them that it was just like any other disease and curable.

We laughed at how cautious Sekuru had been by wearing his mask 24/7 and sanitizing his hands every 5 minutes. They both recovered after administering natural and conventional treatment. The fear of dying from COVID-19 triggered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in most of us. This is just one of many incidents that may trigger PTSD symptoms in both young and old.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying, traumatic event. Common signs of PTSD include flashbacks, hallucinations, avoidance of trauma triggers, and severe anxiety that lasts forever.

Physiologically, PTSD affects the brain and how it processes fear, anxiety, and stress. When a traumatic event occurs, our brain's alarm system goes on high alert. Even when you are safe, your brain acts like you are still in danger.

Known PTSD Symptoms

Intrusion: Experiencing unwanted memories, vivid nightmares, or severe, distressing flashbacks.
Avoidance: Staying away from specific people, places, or objects that remind you of the traumatic event.
Negative Mood: Feeling emotionally numb, hopeless, depressed, or completely disconnected from others.
Arousal: Feeling constantly "on edge," easily startled, having sleep disturbances, or experiencing sudden, angry outbursts.

Mental Health Treatment Options

The most effective PTSD treatment options are usually short-term, with a duration determined by the speed of healing. Medical and psychological treatment focuses on managing stress and safely processing the traumatic memories.

Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy

This is the most effective first-step psychotherapy for PTSD. Instead of just talking about your day, you work directly with a licensed mental health professional to change how the trauma affects you.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helps you identify, challenge, and change unhelpful, negative beliefs linked to the trauma.
Prolonged Exposure (PE): Safely and slowly face the memories and situations you fear, helping to reduce the emotional hold they have on you.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Uses guided eye movements while you think about the bad memories, which helps your brain process and lessen the intensity of the thoughts.

Medications

In conjunction with therapy, doctors often prescribe antidepressants to help regulate brain chemicals like serotonin.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Medications like sertraline and paroxetine are clinically approved for PTSD management. They help reduce anxiety and intrusive thoughts so that therapy becomes easier to manage.

Support Systems

Group Therapy: Sharing your feelings in a safe, therapeutic setting with others who have had similar experiences.
Lifestyle Changes: Practicing mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help manage daily stress and bring your body out of "fight-or-flight" mode.

Where to Find Help for Mental Health in Zimbabwe?

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or PTSD, try reaching out to a public hospital psychiatric unit, specialized non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or private psychological clinics.

For accessible local care, visit Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo, and Ngomahuru Hospital in Masvingo.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

Dr. Precious Sibiya, a mother, sister, daughter, and friend, is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more wellness insights: