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TRAUMA/PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety condition triggered by highly distressing or terrifying events. Individuals with PTSD commonly re-experience the traumatic event through disturbing nightmares and flashbacks, often leading to feelings of isolation, irritability, and guilt. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, and challenges in concentration are also typical. These symptoms are frequently intense and enduring, significantly affecting a person's daily routine and overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD impacts individuals uniquely, with symptoms varying from subtle alterations in everyday behaviour to withdrawal, emotional numbing, and distressing flashbacks or heightened physical anxiety.

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Common symptoms of PTSD encompass:

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  • Re-experiencing the trauma

  • Persistent, intrusive memories or flashbacks disrupting daily life

  • Nightmares

  • Overwhelming distress triggered by reminders of the traumatic event

  • Memories or distressing thoughts prompted by various sensory triggers like smells, sounds, or words.

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Avoidance:

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  • Steer clear of places, people, or objects that might trigger memories of the traumatic event.

  • Altering typical routines to evade reminders of the trauma.

  • Unwillingness to discuss or think about the event.

  • Feeling emotionally numb.

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Negative Thoughts and Mood:

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  • Feeling a sense of hopelessness about the future.

  • Holding negative beliefs about oneself or the world.

  • Unjustly blaming oneself or others.

  • Intense feelings of worry, depression, anger, or guilt.

  • Inability to recall the traumatic event.

  • Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.

  • Emotionally disconnecting from others.

  • Inability to experience positive emotions.

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Increased Arousal:

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  • Persistent, excessive vigilance.

  • Constantly scanning the environment for signs of danger.

  • Easily startled.

  • Displaying irritable or aggressive behaviour.

  • Sleeping difficulties.

  • Poor concentration.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD may stem from experiencing or witnessing a profoundly traumatic event, typically one that posed a threat to life or involved severe injury or sexual violence. The types of experiences that can potentially trigger PTSD encompass:

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  • Severe accidents

  • Natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes

  • Residing in a war zone, either as a victim of war or a soldier

  • Sexual assault or the threat of sexual assault

  • Serious physical assault

  • Witnessing people being injured or killed

 

While a breakup or job loss can be distressing, these events generally do not lead to PTSD. While anyone can develop PTSD, certain individuals are at a higher risk. The reasons why some people develop PTSD while others do not likely involve a combination of factors.

How can Start With ME help?

We are experienced and trained in providing appropriate therapy tailored to your individual needs. If you require support and would like professional assistance, please contact us. Our services also provide support with Victims of crime applications.

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