Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or known as PTSD affects a lot of people that have experienced or witnessed a terrifying event (Maya Clinic, 2021). It is often seen within a month after a terrifying traumatic event has happened. These traumatic events include abuse or neglect of all sorts, veterans that have seen combat, experiencing a terrible event due to mother nature (I.e. Hurricane Ida), seeing death, car accidents, and many more things that a client deems as terrifying. Everyone experiences these extreme events differently. Many clients have issues coping with these events and need help adjusting and developing positive coping skills.  PTSD can lead to negative and unhealthy coping skills such as substance abuse.  Individuals can experience and cope with PTSD differently.

Symptoms of PTSD include but not limited to (Mayo Clinic, 2021);

• Flashbacks
• Difficulty dealing with positive emotions
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Trouble maintaining close relationship
• Detaching from family and friends
• Easily frightened or startled
• Always on fight, flight, or freeze mode
• Suicidal ideation

Irritability

For children under 6 (Mayo Clinic, 2021);

• Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play
• Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event

If you are experiencing any of these type of symptoms, please call for more information or schedule a time to see one of our experienced counselors.