Unlike many mental illnesses, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition which is developed or acquired. It is not an illness someone is born with. While it's expected that after going through a traumatic experience it's normal to have trouble sleeping, feel anxious, sad, scared or have a flashback, in most cases these fears and feelings fade away with time. However, for people experiencing PTSD, the feelings linger for months and years, sometimes getting worse.
Definition
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) refers to individuals that experience a struggle with feelings and emotions related to surviving or living through a traumatic event, such as a car accident or domestic violence. Usually developing following the traumatic incident, post-traumatic stress results through continuously reliving the traumatic incident or the upsetting thoughts related to the stressors of the event.
Common Symptoms
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Intrusive memories, such as recurrent or unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event;
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Avoidance of thinking or talking about the traumatic event;
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Developing negative thoughts about yourself or others;
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Increased feelings of hopelessness;
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Difficulty maintaining close relationships or feeling detached from family and friends;
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Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed;
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Difficulty sleeping;
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Difficulty concentrating;
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Feeling like you are always on guard for danger;
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Engaging in self-destructive behaviour, such as drinking excessively, experimenting with recreational drugs, or driving too fast; and/or,
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Feelings of guilt or shame.
Is it Time to Make a Change?
Are you find that your PTSD is affecting every aspect of your life, such as your professional, personal, or social life?While there is no real way of curing PTSD, it can be managed and treated very successfully through a combination of medication and therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. With proper treatment and help, it is a disorder that can be controlled and the affected individual can go on to lead a very successful, fulfilling life. If you are noticing that you want to reengage with your life and gain control again, it is time to make a change and reach out to our team.