Everyone has been through a traumatic situation at least once in their life. You may have experienced the death of a friend, family member, or loved one. Maybe you witnessed a crime happen in your area. You may have even experienced a natural disaster like a tornado or earthquake. You may have been admitted to the hospital when you were sick.

All of these situations would be classified as traumatic events, even if you did not realize it at the time. Individuals suffering from traumatic events may have difficulty adjusting to their normal day-to-day life after experiencing trauma. With time and self-care, most individuals are usually able to move through the trauma on their own.

However, in some cases, symptoms become worse after a traumatic event. If symptoms worsen or last longer than a few months, it's usually an indication you are experiencing PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition where a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event and has difficulty recovering.

Here's how to recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD.

Signs of PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms can change over time, so it's important to recognize the early warning signs.

A person experiencing PTSD may begin slipping away and avoiding certain things, situations, and people. They may even start isolating themselves from loved ones. As a way to cope with the trauma, they may try unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating, self-harm, or substance abuse. Additionally, if a person changes how they think and act, it could be a sign of PTSD. Their mood may seem altered from their normal state as well.

If you notice any of these signs or changes, it's very important to seek help as soon as possible. PTSD can worsen and spiral out of control if left untreated.

Symptoms of PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms usually start within a month of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These symptoms can affect your life and impact your social, work, and/or relationships.

PTSD symptoms can be grouped into four types: avoidance, changes in emotional and physical reactions, intrusive memories, and negative changes in mood and thinking.

Avoidance

Some symptoms of avoidance include:

• Avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.

• Avoid places, situations, or people that remind you of the traumatic event.

Changes in emotional and physical reactions

Some symptoms of changes in emotional and physical reactions include:

• Concentration problems

• Defensive

• Easily startled

• Guilt

• Irritability

• Self-destructive behavior

• Sleeping problems

Intrusive memories

Some symptoms of intrusive memories include:

• Reoccurring memories of the traumatic event.

• Reliving the traumatic event or having flashbacks.

• Nightmares about the traumatic event.

• Emotional distress to a reminder of the traumatic event.

• Physical response to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.

Negative changes in mood and thinking

Some symptoms of negative changes in mood and thinking include:

• Detachment

• Difficulty maintaining relationships

• Feeling numb

• Hopelessness

• Lack of interest

• Memory problems

• Negative thoughts

Treatment for PTSD

The past does not define the present. Trauma and PTSD therapy can give you a safe, judgment-free space to talk about experiences you may have kept locked away for a long time. I want to help you let go of guilt and shame, strengthen your self-esteem, and learn to trust others and yourself again.

If trauma has made living difficult and stolen your joy, I believe I can help you work through your painful memories and reconnect with your true self. To get started, you can fill out the contact form for a free 20-minute phone consultation.