PTSD & Trauma Treatment

Physical wounds may leave noticeable scars, but emotional wounds are harder to recognize. Natural disasters, accidents, loss of a loved one, violent crime, and abuse can be emotionally overwhelming. Many people heal on their own over time, but for some, the pain persists, negatively impacting daily life.

Common Signs of PTSD:

• Intense or unpredictable feelings 

• Anxiousness, nervousness, overwhelm 

• Uncontrollable irritability or moodiness 

• Negative changes in thought and behavior patterns 

• Repeated and vivid memories or nightmares

• Rapid heartbeat or sweating 

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 

• Disrupted sleep and eating patterns 

• Heightened fear that the traumatic event will be repeated 

• Withdrawing, isolating, and disengaging from social activities 

• Stress-related physical symptoms (headaches, nausea, chest pain) 

Definition – Common reactions to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event include feeling anxious, sad, or angry; having trouble concentrating and sleeping; and an inability to stop thinking about what happened. If these symptoms last for an extended period or begin to interfere with relationships or work, you may have PTSD.

Stats – Globally, around 70% of individuals will experience a potentially traumatic event during their lifetime, but less than 6% will go on to develop PTSD.

Diagnosis – A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional can determine if a person’s symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD. Treatment works, but many people suffering from PTSD fail to get help because they misidentify or fail to recognize their symptoms. Those who have gone through a traumatic event may also feel shame, guilt, fear, or mistrust and don’t come forward in an attempt to avoid thinking about the experience.