You should know you are not alone.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.
Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Intensity of symptoms
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time. You may have more PTSD symptoms when you’re stressed in general, or when you come across reminders of what you went through. For example, you may hear a car backfire and relive combat experiences. Or you may see a report on the news about a sexual assault and feel overcome by memories of your own assault.
Trauma can alter how the brain functions, and its signs and symptoms can vary from finding it difficult to trust and being constantly on guard, to sudden panic and intrusive, anxiety-ridden thoughts. Trauma, without question, can significantly lessen your quality of life.
And while the signs and symptoms can feel complex and at times overwhelming, feeling better is possible. In fact, with trauma therapy we expect you will begin feeling better as we implement our compassionate and client-focused evidence-based techniques and strategies together. I have helped clients to gain positive ground over their traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment. IEES, offers a variety of therapeutic approaches to best support you and work with you as an equal collaborator in your treatment and healing. Types of intervention are Cognitive Behavioral techniques, EMDR, Insight oriented, and Psycho-dynamic approaches to treatment.
It’s my goal to identify the source and triggers for your emotional and physical suffering, to discuss ways to deal with unhelpful and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, and to teach you techniques to manage distress and enable you to move forward. If you would like to address these issues in a new way with the help of a professional counselor please reach out and contact me today.