Trauma & PTSD
Can interfere with daily life. Treatment options, like counseling and medication, can help improve your functioning as you navigate through life.
TRAUMA
Trauma can be referred to as emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical responses to an event or a series of events that are distressing, shocking, or overwhelming. Traumatic experiences can vary widely and might include situations like accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's emotional well-being, cognition, and behavior, often disrupting their sense of safety and trust all around them.
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be identified as a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that persist for an extended period of time, often interfering with an individual's daily functioning. It is noted that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but for those who do, the symptoms can be intense and debilitating.
There are four categories that summarizes the symptoms of PTSD:
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Re-experiencing the trauma (flashbacks, nightmares)
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Avoiding reminders of the trauma
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Negative mood changes and distorted thoughts
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Hyperarousal (constant alertness, irritability)
It is important to note that symptoms of PTSD are treatable, can vary from person to person, and can also change over time. If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms and they persist for more than a few weeks, I advise you to seek professional help. As a mental health therapist, I employ a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques that can be effective in managing and reducing the impact, in order to live a more enjoyable life.