As horrifying examples of mass shootings continue to happen throughout the United States, we frequently hear people speak about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Often associated with post-war vets and victims of mass violence, PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can materialize in people who've shared or seen a traumatic or life-threatening circumstance.
However, there are numerous other examples of trauma that can provoke somebody to develop PTSD outside of combat or seeing a terrorist attack. Anybody of any age that has encountered a violent or sexual attack, a natural catastrophe, a car accident, or any other astonishing or treacherous event risks developing PTSD. If you're worried you or a loved one may be suffering from PTSD, our counselor in Winter Park offers some symptoms to be on the lookout for.
Somebody with PTSD often has involuntary re-experiences of the trauma via nightmares, flashbacks, triggers, and unwanted thoughts or recollections. For example, sounds or scents may take them back to the traumatic incident, or they may develop bodily illnesses when they're reminded of or recall the event.
People with PTSD continually feel on edge, unsafe, or easily frightened. As a result, they might be inclined to rage, edginess, or despair. It's also typical for people living with PTSD to have problems sleeping or focusing, and they may have changes in their eating patterns by either eating too much or too little.
An individual dealing with PTSD may start to avoid the place where they encountered the event or locations that remind them of what occurred. They may also evade people, circumstances, or things that bring negative recollections forward. It's also standard for people with PTSD to avoid speaking about the situation or sidestepping feelings connected to the event.
Feelings of guilt, self-blame, and excessive negative beliefs are typical in people with PTSD. As a result, they might lose interest in things they used to enjoy and isolate themselves from companions and loved ones. It's also not unusual for people with PTSD to completely lose trust in people or to think that the world is a scary place.
After encountering a traumatic event, it's natural for somebody to have any of the signs listed above. However, for individuals suffering from PTSD, the symptoms endure for weeks, months, or even longer and start to impact their capability to function.
If you're concerned you might be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and require the assistance of a licensed professional, please call our office today, and let's set up an appointment for you to speak with one of our counselors in Winter Park who specialize in treating PTSD. You do not have to live like this. We assist people in finding recovery and emotional independence. We want to help you live your very best life.
Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.