Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after you’ve experienced a traumatic event. Usually, this is something shocking, terrifying, dangerous, and or physically painful. With PTSD therapy, the patient may see the alleviation or elimination of symptoms.
However, if PTSD is left untreated, symptoms may never entirely disappear. Ignoring this disorder can often result in more tremendous suffering and reduced function over a long period of time. It can also result in increased anxiety and depression. Over time, the symptoms may decrease in severity, but this depends on the type of trauma experienced.
How Do I Know If I Have PTSD?
PTSD can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. The Sidran Institute for Traumatic Stress Education and Advocacy reports that 70% of U.S adults experience a traumatic event throughout their lives. 1
Of that 70% of the population, 20% of those people will develop PSTD. At any moment in time, that’s roughly five million people in America, or one out of every thirteen people, with women being twice as likely to develop PTSD as men. 1
Common Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms begin differently across patient cases. How the person acquired PTSD may affect how or when the symptoms manifest themselves.
If you or a loved one experienced a one-time traumatic event, the symptoms may come on strong right away or later when triggered. If there was a systemic exposure to traumatic events, such as ongoing sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, the symptoms might develop over time.
According to the Mayo Clinic, medical professionals often break down the common symptoms into the following categories: [2]
Intrusive Memories
Intrusive memories are when you experience recurring and unwelcome memories or dreams of the traumatic event or see momentary experiences or flashbacks where you relive the trauma. These unpleasant memories or dreams can be upsetting and physically or emotionally distressing.
Avoidance
Someone with PTSD may frequently and actively avoid talking or thinking about their trauma or avoiding places, people, and events that remind them of that moment.
Negative Mood or Thought Changes
After a traumatic event, one can think negative thoughts about themselves, which leads to feeling hopeless and detached from their loved ones. This leaves them feeling emotionally numb, and they may exhibit a lack of interest in their favorite hobbies and activities.
Physical and Emotional Reactions
Arousal of physical and emotional reactions could include always being on guard or suspicious. They may have trouble sleeping or exhibit self-destructive behaviors. Experiencing overwhelming guilt and shame or aggressive behaviors are also common symptoms of PTSD.
How to Help with PTSD
Medical professionals recommend PTSD therapy or treatment for anyone experiencing any or all of these symptoms or if the symptoms increase in frequency or intensity. A failure to do so over months or even years could result in reduced daily functionality and could indicate that you do indeed have PTSD. Seeking PTSD therapy or emergency care can prevent symptoms from worsening.
While PTSD symptoms may never go away entirely, undergoing treatment for PTSD will lessen the severity, improve the person’s mental/emotional health and make it easier to function in the world.
What Does PTSD Therapy and Treatment Look Like?
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is the most common treatment for PTSD and is conducted over some time in either group or individual settings.
Somatic Experiencing is a therapy that operates on the belief that trauma can become trapped in the body and could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms later.
EMDR is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which is a treatment designed to address stress and distress reactions commonly associated with traumatic memories.
Cognitive restructuring addresses the trauma and the events that trigger it to help process its emotions.
Healing Foundations Center’s Approach To PTSD Therapy
Unfortunately, PTSD doesn’t ever completely go away, as the possibility for those symptoms to be triggered may always exist. But with an effective and comprehensive approach, you can successfully live with PTSD and reduce symptoms.
Due to the unique aspects of PTSD, Healing Foundations Center customizes therapy and programming to suit the patient’s needs. We specialize in treating trauma-related disorders and offer solutions based on the needs of the individual. If you or a loved one believe you may be suffering from PTSD, help is here for you! Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://www.sidran.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder-Fact-Sheet-.pdf