Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
Introduction
Stress is a common problem that every human gets to experience at different levels. The different challenges and decision-making processes that people go through on a daily basis often leave them stressed. Instances of frustration are expected in life, and these often cause stress. However, in extreme circumstances, stress can lead to major problems in life. For example, stress can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, and this can impair life. In this paper, the focus will be on a stress-related problem known as post-traumatic disorder or PTSD. The paper will provide an analysis of the stress-related problem, its impact, the coping strategies applicable, the strengths and limitations of the coping strategies, and finally, the paper will provide the coping strategy considered the best fit for the stress-related problem.
Stress-Related Problem
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a disorder that develops after a person experiences a dangerous, scary, and distressing event. PTSD starts with normal responses to fear, whereby a person becomes increasingly careful or develops a more sensitive fight-or-flight response to experiences (NIMH, 2019). However, for some people, this fight-or-flight response can become increasingly problematic and be triggered even when there are no experiences or instances of danger. In such instances, a person is likely to be diagnosed with PTSD. However, it is crucial to note that people develop PTSD differently. According to NIMH (2019), there are individuals who develop PTSD after undergoing sudden losses of friends and family. Therefore, PTSD is not necessarily caused by the experience of a dangerous or scary event.
In the world, PTSD is a major problem that impacts millions. According to Kessler et al. (2017), PTSD is a cross-nationally prevalent condition. However, regardless of it being a global problem, the researchers indicate that 50% of individuals who reported experiencing severe PTSD happen to receive treatment. Further, the researchers reveal that the treatment of PTSD and the seriousness with which the disease is taken is heavily dependent upon a country’s income level. In countries with a history of war, PTSD happens to be more prevalent, according to Hoppen and Morina (2019). In their study that assessed the prevalence of PTSD in countries that experienced war between 1989 and 2015, Hoppen and Morina (2019) estimated out of 1.45 billion people who experienced war, 354 million suffered from PTSD. The researchers continue to indicate that 117 million experienced comorbid PTSD. These numbers are quite scary considering the low rate of treatment or help a majority of these individuals receive. In another study, Kessler et al. (2017) revealed that the experiences that happen to lead to PTSD at a greater percentage or likelihood include sexual assault, the unexpected death or loss of a loved one, rape, and being a victim of stalkers. The researchers indicate that these experiences have a high PTSD risk and would likely lead to the stress-related problem.
Depression
Depression is one of the most commonly occurring mental health issues in the world. According to the WHO (2021), approximately 5% of all adults in the world suffer from a form of depression. In the world today, depression continues to impact people’s daily lives while contributing to the many suicide cases reported worldwide. Regarding gender and the prevalence of depression on either gender, WHO (2021) reports that women are more susceptible to depression than men. Further, one of the major distinguishing factors of depression is that its effects traverse all age groups, and its impacts have been reported even in children. According to the CDC (2022), children can also be victims of depression, especially when they showcase persistent fears and sadness. In essence, depression is a condition that cuts across and impacts every person.
The impacts or effects of depression are widespread. Depression is known to lead to a loss of interest in the normal routines of life, cause irritability, and cause people to be moody. Aside from psychological effects, depression can also physically impact a person’s life. For example, it can lead to headaches and bodily pain. However, one of the major impacts of depression is suicide. According to the WHO (2021), suicide “is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29 year-olds.” In South-East Asia, Ahmed et al. (2017) indicate that depression is the main cause of suicide in the region. In his study, Bradvik (2018) concurs with the above through the revelation that suicidal behavior is directly related to instances of lifetime depression. As a condition considered quite common in the world, depression continues to impact the lives of millions worldwide. However, there appears to be minimal resources to deal with its widespread effects.
Coping Strategies
Diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscular relaxation are coping strategies that can be applied in dealing with PTSD. Diaphragmatic breathing (also known as deep breathing) entails the diaphragm’s contraction, the belly’s expansion, and the expansion of inhalation and exhalation (Ma et al., 2017). It results in a decrease in the frequency of respiration and enhances the amount of blood gases. Diaphragmatic breathing is applied to PTDS as a way of relaxing, hence relieving the stress resulting from the problem. Patients should follow the following procedure when employing the technique. Firstly, they should be comfortable sitting or lying on the back. Secondly, the patient should relax the shoulders by shifting them downwards. Thirdly, the client should breathe through the nose until they can take in no more air. Here, the patient should feel their stomach expand. Next, the patients should slowly exhale, relea...