CANNAConsumer Magazine August 2017 | Page 53

normally would have enjoyed. In short, they start to feel as if life is against them, and they remain in a constant state of battle with everyday activities.

Physical or emotional reactions. This is also referred to as or called arousal symptoms. They are physical and emotional changes as a result of PTSD and can include trouble focusing, difficulty sleeping, bouts of insomnia, startling easily, and taking on self-destructive behaviors like reckless driving or drinking too much alcohol. In some cases, people suffering from PTSD have been prone to showing outbursts or becoming uncharacteristically aggressive toward themselves and the people around them.

When children develop PTSD, it is not uncommon for them to have slightly different symptoms from adults. For many children, the symptoms associated with their PTSD largely depends on the age of the child. Younger children under the age of six may experience bed-wetting or a continuous need to act-up or re-enact the trauma inducing

event. In some severe cases, the child may even develop loss of speech. In older children, the general trend is to see the same symptoms adults typically have when suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Although it is fairly common for people to experience one of more symptoms of PTSD immediately following a traumatic event, it may not always be an accurate diagnosis. Typically, the symptoms for PTSD are ongoing and long lasting. If a person’s symptoms seem to fade, dissipate, or resolve themselves after a few weeks, then chances are good they were actually suffering from acute stress disorder. It’s not until symptoms linger for a month or longer that the diagnosis for PTSD is determined and rendered in most individuals.

CANNABIS FOR VETERANS 53