What happens if nightmares are left untreated

A person who continues to avoid sleep for a long period of time, may experience more extreme symptoms, such as: high blood pressure, increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, diabetes, obesity, heart attack, heart failure, or even stroke. Just about everyone who survives a trauma will experience at least a few symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

When people are under extreme stress, such as during a traumatic event, the human brain instinctively tells the body to tense the muscles, pump more blood and breathe faster. Unlike PTS symptoms which typically subside within a month of the traumatic event, PTSD symptoms are more persistent, can interfere with daily functioning, and can last for more than a month. Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a terrifying, distressing event.

Some examples of common traumatic events are: natural disasters, car accidents, and assault. Trauma can happen to anyone at any time in any place; it does not discriminate. PTSD, like other forms of mental illness can be improved and managed through proper treatment, including medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, group therapy and support groups. Along with addiction, sufferers of untreated PTSD are likely to experience severe consequences including the following:.

But the good news for sufferers of PTSD is that there is hope with proper treatment. Treatment can reduce the symptoms of PTSD and help those suffering manage their emotions and reduce avoidance behaviors. Nothing can change the fact that a traumatic event happened, but treatment for PTSD can help you live a full and happy life outside the grip of trauma.

If you are struggling with panic, anxiety, depression, rage or other life-controlling issues following a traumatic incident, you may be dealing with PTSD. If the car was fixed by a good mechanic and there are seemingly no other issues with the car, a person can still relive the event and experience panic attacks upon thinking about driving to work.

When these experiences become overwhelming, the person may begin to exhibit greater emotional responses to the trauma such as anxiety, depression, or the inability to cope with life in general. Regardless of the extent of the trauma, untreated trauma will manifest in physical, psychological, emotional, and social problems. Many individuals will find that alcohol and drugsrelieve the symptoms experienced, however, over time this could develop into more serious and detrimental issues.

Untreated trauma will not go away on its own nor will the symptoms simply diminish over time. Symptoms can include the following:. Untreated PTSD can cause permanent damage to the brain due to the person living in a hyper-aroused state. Misdiagnosed or untreated PTSD is commonly associated with substance abuse. Drugs or alcohol can act as a coping mechanism, provide a temporary escape or chance to get away or relieve physical and psychological pain.

The misuse of alcohol or drugs can lead to a number of other complications in a life already complicated by PTSD. Alcohol and drug use only serve as a temporary solution.