Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a serious mental health condition. It is often due to witnessing or being part of an extremely stressful or terrifying event. Many people can, in time, overcome such a trauma by concentrating on taking care of themselves. But when certain symptoms continue or worsen, disrupting their daily lives, they may have PTSD. People can, however, learn to function and ease symptoms if they seek professional help as soon as possible after certain symptoms arise. PTSD counselling can help no matter which stage you’re in.
Symptoms of PTSD can start a few months after such an event or can take years to surface. PTSD can affect your social life as well as your ability to function in a work environment. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and can occur in male or female adults as well as in teens. PTSD symptoms typically fall into four main categories including:
1. Intrusive Memories such as
- Recurring unwanted or distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Upsetting dreams or memories about the event(s)
- Flashbacks – reliving the event as though it was happening again
- Physical reaction or severe emotional distress to something that reminds you of that event(s)
2. Avoidance
Attempting to not talk or think of the event or staying away from people or activities that remind you of the it.
3. Negative Changes in Mood or Thought
These symptoms can include detachment from family and friends, losing interest in previous activities, problems with memory, or feeling emotionally numb.
4. Physical and Emotional Reactions
This can also be referred to as Arousal Symptoms and may include self-destructive behaviour, being easily frightened or startled, trouble sleeping or concentrating, aggressive behaviour, as well as rapid breathing, and sweating.
PTSD can affect both male and female adults as well as teens. I highly recommend seeking professional PTSD counselling help if any of these symptoms last more than one month. Getting help early can certainly speed up your road to recovery. It is a sign of strength, not weakness to seek help for this often-debilitating disorder.
If you or one of your children has experienced a trauma and is having problems getting back to a place before the event, I would welcome the opportunity to help in the process of finding a peaceful path forward.
