POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Therapy for PTSD

All wounds are not visible.

Trauma is a psychological, emotional response to an event or an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing.

During the first days and weeks after someone is exposed to a traumatic event (such as being involved in an accident, having an illness or injury, losing a loved one, or going through a divorce), they often experience strong feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger, or grief. However, as they begin to make sense of what has happened to them, these feelings usually begin to subside.

Most people will recover quickly, but for some a traumatic event can lead to other issues such as depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder 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. Someone who has PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.

It is natural to have some of these symptoms after a traumatic event. When the symptoms last more than a month, seriously affect one’s ability to function, and are not due to substance use, medical illness, or anything except the event itself, they might be PTSD.

PTSD symptoms may not show for weeks or months.

PTSD is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more of the other anxiety disorders.

Whether it is one event – or a prolonged exposure, PTSD can affect anyone.

All Sam and Mary do is argue since his accident. Sam was hit head on in a three-car collision, and he had to be cut out of his vehicle with the “Jaws of Life.”

Sam doesn’t remember much from the accident except for seeing the car speeding toward him and not being able to do anything but brace himself for the impact. The first responders on the scene were in shock to find him alive. Sam went through several months of physical therapy to regain use of his legs and can’t seem to forget the physical pain associated with the accident.

Since the accident, Sam won’t drive because whenever he is behind the wheel, he experiences memories of the car speeding toward him. When he hears or sees a car crash, his heart starts racing, and he breaks out in a cold sweat.

Sam and Mary constantly argue because of his drinking. He won’t go out of the house, and no longer socializes with their friends.

Sam can’t seem to get Mary to understand that he no longer feels close to family or friends; in fact, he no longer feels anything. Sights and sounds startle him, and the nightmares make him remember the accident that he is desperately trying to forget, even if it means drinking is the alternative to remembering. Sam is embarrassed that he is experiencing reactions from the accident, after all this time.

Don’t wait for years – take a positive step for yourself NOW.

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it.

This “fight, flight or freeze” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma.

If any of the described symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.

It is possible to heal from trauma and feel safe again.