What is PTSD?
Trauma is a near-ubiquitous human experience. About 70% of adults in the U.S. will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. Trauma can be a single event, chronic or complex and is often described as an event or series of events where an individual experiences or witnesses significant threat to one’s physical self or another person or, it can also occur after learning about a close loved one’s exposure to a trauma.
Following a trauma it is common to have upsetting memories, anxiety or “feeling on edge” and trouble sleeping. Over time these symptoms tend to resolve and most people who go through trauma will not develop PTSD.
For many reasons some people will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). About 6% of the U.S. population will experience an episode of PTSD in their lifetime. These symptoms of PTSD can be quite distressing and greatly interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
Re-Experiencing: This may include experiencing nightmares, feeling as though you are reliving the experience, intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feelings or images of the trauma.
Avoidance of Trauma Reminders: Individuals may avoid situations or people who remind them of the trauma or they may avoid feeling, talking or thinking about the event.
Negative Cognitions and Feelings: Often trauma greatly impacts the way we thinks about ourself, others, and the world. Difficulty experiencing positive feelings for loved ones and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed are also common. Frequent feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, depression, sadness, anger and numbness are also typical. Some people have difficulty remembering parts of the experience.
Physiological HyperArousal and Tension: Changes in physiological arousal are common in PTSD. Some examples include feeling on guard, hyper-alert, easily startled, jittery, on edge, irritable and tense. People may also experience disturbances in sleep and concentration.
A note on Complex PTSD:
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) can develop when someone experiences repeated or long-term trauma, especially in situations where they felt powerless to escape or protect themselves. In addition to the common symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD often affects a person’s entire sense of self. People may struggle with deep feelings of shame or worthlessness, find it hard to trust others or feel close in relationships, and have difficulty managing emotions. This might show up as being easily overwhelmed or constantly on edge—or, on the other end, feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from oneself and the world- all powerful survival strategies that once helped a person endure the unbearable.
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If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you reach out to a trauma-informed behavioral health professional for further assessment and to explore treatment options.
About Therapy & PTSD:
A lot of research has shown traditional talk therapy isn’t always effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms but there are specific therapies that are such as CPT, EMDR & PE. Finding good, specialized care can be an important step in the healing process.
The Good News:
There isn’t just one path to healing. Today, there are a growing number of well-researched and emerging options for PTSD recovery- both in therapy and beyond. Whether through evidence-based treatment, body-based approaches, community, or creative practices, healing can be shaped to fit your life, your values, and your pace.
Signs of Good Trauma Care:
You’re involved in your care. You feel safe and understood. You follow a proven treatment. Your care is monitored and measured. You are moving towards your goals. You are improving and feeling more yourself.