What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
It is normal to have upsetting memories, feel anxious, or have trouble sleeping after a distressing or life-threatening event event. At first, it may be hard to do normal daily activities, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about. But, most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. If it's been longer than a few months and you're still feeling this way, you may have PTSD. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later on, or they may come and go over time.
There are 4 types of PTSD symptoms. To be diagnosed with PTSD, you need to have each type. Everyone experiences symptoms in their own way.
Reliving the event means memories of the event pop into your mind at times least expected. This experience can feel very real and scary. Examples include:
Having nightmares or scary dreams
Feeling like the event is happening all over again (called a flashback)
The event pops into your mind and stays present when you see, hear, or smell something that reminds you of it (e.g., seeing news reports, witnessing an accident, or being in a situation with reminders of the event)
Avoiding things, people, or situations, that remind you of the event. This may also include avoiding talking or thinking about the event. Examples include:
Not going out at night because the event happened a night
Staying away from crowds because you feel they are dangerous
Avoiding driving because you were in a car accident
Keeping busy or avoiding getting help so you do not have to think about the event
Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event. The way you think about, yourself, others, and the world may become more negative because of the trauma. Examples include:
You think and feel you cannot trust anyone and that the world is more dangerous
You find it hard to have loving and positive feelings towards people important to you
You have lost interest in the things you usually enjoy
You feel guilt, shame, anger, and wish you could have done something different to prevent the event
Feeling on edge, jittery, or always on alert. Examples include:
Trouble sleeping
Difficulties with concentration
Feeling easily startled by a loud noise
Suddenly becoming irritable or angry
Do You Have PTSD?
After a traumatic and/or life-distressing event, it is normal to not feel like yourself. It is normal to have the symptoms mentioned above and to think, feel, and act differently. Most people start to feel better after a few weeks. It is important to seek out help with a mental health professional if your symptoms last longer than a month, are very upsetting, and make it hard to do your daily life tasks.
What Treatments Are Available for PTSD?
Both trauma-focused therapy and medications are well-known to treat PTSD. Some people find trauma-focused therapy or medication alone is helpful. Others find a combination of both therapy and medication is helpful. Click on the buttons below to learn about three most effective trauma-focused therapies for PTSD. If, after evaluation, it is determined medications could be helpful in conjunction with therapy, Dr. Mohorovic will assist you in finding a medication provider.
