What You Need To Know About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition common in war veterans and people who have experienced trauma or a distressing situation. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms can develop in anyone at any age. Children may experience more intense night terrors and nightmares and express their symptoms in play, whereas adults may display more self-destructive behaviors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms may appear during or after a traumatic or stressful event or situation. For example, someone who lives through a natural disaster may develop PTSD. War veterans who lived through a firefight or civilians who survived a mass shooting might show symptoms. Even a caregiver who responds to a terminally ill patient ringing a bell day in and day out can develop a mental health condition.

The following is a list of common Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms that counseling can address.

Easily startled – PTSD takes a toll on the nervous system and can make the person jumpy and easily startled. They may forget momentarily where they are as fear takes hold. They may experience panic attacks. Children may flinch, turn away, or hide.

Trouble concentrating – PTSD affects memory and concentration due to changes in parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The mind struggles to make sense of the past trauma and the present and cannot focus on tasks.

Nightmares and flashbacks – The subconscious mind works hard to make sense of the trauma, and the person with PTSD may experience horrible nightmares and flashbacks that feel intensely real. They may find themselves in situations where they do not know where they are or do not recognize the people around them.

Avoiding people, places, and situations – Someone with PTSD may avoid people, places, events, or situations that remind them of the trauma. Objects may also hold significance. For example, if a person with PTSD faced childhood abuse, they may avoid going near their old neighborhood and stay away from items that remind them of their abuser.

Negative or intrusive thoughts – Negative or intrusive thoughts of guilt or shame may develop in someone with PTSD. They may blame themselves for the trauma. These thoughts can lead to isolation, self-harm, or suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide, seek help immediately.

Physical symptoms – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms can lead to chronic anxiety and physical conditions, like elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, muscle tension, joint pain, and headaches. In some people with PTSD, digestive issues can lead to severe problems. Although a medical professional can treat the physical symptoms, the mental aspect should be addressed for lasting change.

Self-destructive behaviors – Overwhelming guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression can lead to self-destructive behaviors in an attempt to escape these emotions from PTSD. The person may drive too fast, excessively drink alcohol, abuse drugs, gamble, engage in unprotected sex, or binge eat. They may cut themselves or sabotage relationships.

If you struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, reach out for counseling today. There is hope. You can gain your life back and beat back the fear and overwhelming anxiety from PTSD.

Counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms are treatable through counseling. You can manage the symptoms through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other psychological techniques. Contact our office today to schedule an initial assessment with a counselor.