PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that involves repeated mental and emotional stress triggered by an injury or severe psychological shock. Those suffering from PTSD are not just limited to combat survivors. Any individual who has experienced a deeply traumatic event or situation of prolonged and intense stress can suffer from the disorder.
PTSD is a truly debilitating mental health condition, and identifying signs and symptoms can be difficult when those experiencing it must confront the most deeply traumatic events of their lives. The necessity to confront past trauma combined with the unfortunate stigma surrounding mental health can result in a lack of action from those experiencing mental and emotional pain.
If you think you might be suffering from PTSD, know that you are not alone. Recovery is possible, and a variety of treatment options exist to address your symptoms and resolve past traumas.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD vary in category and intensity. Diagnosis can be difficult as well due to the presence of other mental health symptoms that can sometimes occur alongside the symptoms of PTSD.
If you have experienced one or more of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder:
- Repetitive or intrusive memories or thoughts related to the traumatic event
- Vivid flashbacks and nightmares of the event
- Distress, both physical and emotional, over situations that remind you of the event
- Avoidance of people, objects, or situations that remind you of the event
- Negative thoughts of people, the world, and even yourself
- General sense of hopelessness
- Gaps in your memory of the traumatic event
- Difficulty and disinterest in maintaining relationships
- Feelings of detachment
- Guilt when experiencing positive emotions
- Feelings of paranoia or always being “on-guard”
- Becoming easily startled or frightened
- Self-destructive behavior
- Intense anger
- Sense of overwhelming shame
The final symptom involving feelings of shame can be an immense barrier to seeking proper diagnosis and treatment from a mental health professional. You should know that PTSD can affect anyone at any time.
Who Can Suffer from PTSD
Those suffering from PTSD can be of any age and come from all walks of life. However, you are more likely to suffer from the disorder if you have experienced one or more of the following:
- Combat environments
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childhood physical abuse
- Robbery or mugging involving a weapon
- Kidnapping or torture
- Life-threatening medical diagnosis
- Any extreme situation where death or injury was possible
If you have experienced one of these traumatic events and are currently struggling with one or more of the above symptoms, know that you have options. Advantage Healthcare Systems is ready and able to help you overcome your symptoms and address your past trauma. Our physicians are trained to administer psychological evaluations to determine the cause of your mental and emotional distress and the breadth of your treatment options. Through techniques such as individual counseling and biofeedback therapy, you can improve your PTSD symptoms and return to the life you deserve. Call Advantage Healthcare Systems for more information or to schedule an appointment at 1-877-487-8289.
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