Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A horrific event can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health disease that can be brought on by experiencing it or seeing it. Flashbacks, nightmares, excruciating anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the incident are just a few possible symptoms.
The majority of people who experience traumatic circumstances might initially struggle to adjust and cope, but with time and adequate self-care, they typically get better. You may have PTSD if the symptoms worsen, last for weeks, months, or even years, and affect your daily functioning.
People might react to traumatic experiences in many different ways, including melancholy, impatience, and disorientation. The majority of people report feeling stressed, having trouble focusing, sleeping, or getting along with others in the moments following a significant traumatic experience. The distressing symptoms of PTSD develop with time, interfere with social and occupational functioning, and last longer than a month. It may be helpful to seek virtual mental health counseling if you or a loved one is having trouble adjusting to the repercussions of a tragedy.
Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can begin as soon as one month after a stressful experience, but they can also take years to manifest. Significant issues are brought on by these symptoms in social, professional, and romantic interactions. They may also make it difficult for you to carry out regular activities as usual.
Intrusive memories, avoidance, unfavorable changes in thought and attitude, and changes in bodily and emotional reactions are the four main categories of PTSD symptoms. The severity of symptoms can change over time or from person to person.
Intrusive memories
- unwelcome and recurrently upsetting memories of the terrible incident
- reliving the upsetting experience as though it were going to happen again (flashbacks)
- disturbing nightmares or dreams involving the horrific occurrence
- severe mental discomfort or adverse physical responses to things that bring back terrible memories
Avoidance
- attempting to avoid reflecting on or discussing the painful incident
- avoiding things, people, or situations that make you think of the painful occurrence
Negative changes in thinking and mood
- negative self-talk or views about others or the world Hopelessness about the future
- memory issues, including forgetting key details of the traumatic event
- keeping tight ties is difficult.
- feeling cut apart from friends and relatives
- lack of interest in activities you once found enjoyable trouble feeling happy
- a lack of emotional response
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
- being prone to being surprised or alarmed
- being constantly alert for danger
- self-destructive conduct, such as binge drinking or speeding
- difficulty sleeping difficulty concentrating
- anger flare-ups, irritability, or violent conduct
- overwhelming shame or guilt
Signs and symptoms for kids aged 6 and under may also include:
- playfully reenacting the traumatic incident or portions of it
- unsettling nightmares that may or may not contain elements of the traumatic event
Intensity of symptoms
The severity of PTSD symptoms might change over time. When you are generally stressed out or come across memories of what you went through, you may have greater PTSD symptoms. For instance, you might hear a car backfire and remember a battle. Alternatively, you can be overtaken with recollections of your own assault after seeing a news story about a sexual assault.
When to see a doctor
Speak to the best psychologist in Broward county if you experience unsettling thoughts and feelings regarding a traumatic occurrence for longer than a month, if they are intense, or if you believe you are having problems bringing your life back under control. Early treatment can lessen the likelihood of PTSD symptoms getting worse.
Psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), as well as medications like the antidepressants referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are some of the effective treatment options available (SSRIs). Psychotherapy and medication are frequently more efficient when used together than when used separately.
Mark Lang, L.C.S.W. - Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist offers in-person and virtual therapy options for counseling. Telephone therapy is also available for those suffering from PTSD. If you need a therapist in Broward county, reach out to New Era Therapy Now.