Signs That You’re Suffering From Post Traumatic Stress
A number of different events can cause the emotional turmoil and mental suffering that are earmarks of post traumatic stress. This type of stress can be caused by exposure to traumatic events, including motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, sexual assault, and violent assaults. They may have been experienced personally or even just witnessed secondhand. These situations and the resulting emotional impact that they have should never be treated lightly. If you have experienced an event like this and are not feeling yourself, it is time to reach out to a therapist. Signs and symptoms of PTSD usually begin within three months of an intense event. If left untreated, these symptoms can become chronic. Talk therapy, which helps you process through the traumatic experience, is the most effective way to overcome post traumatic stress.
Signs of PTSD
If you have experienced a traumatic event and you are struggling to get your footing back, you may be suffering from symptoms of PTSD. Usually these symptoms occur within the first three months after the event, however in some rare cases, individuals may not experience symptoms until years later. The following are the most common PTSD signs and symptoms:
- Flashbacks And/Or Negative Thoughts: Frequently having uncontrollable scary or unpleasant thoughts, repeating the event multiple times in your mind, or experiencing physical stressors, like an increased heart rate or sweating
- Problems Sleeping: Suffering from restless sleep and having frequent nightmares or bad dreams
- Avoidance: Avoiding anything that may remind you of the trauma: people, places, thoughts, or even situations
- On Edge: Being easily startled, feeling tense, and having occasional angry outbursts
- Change in Mood: Perceiving things in a more negative light, feeling a sense of guilt, suffering from anxiety, or suddenly losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Issues Recalling Event: Forgetting significant things that occurred during the traumatic event – before, during, or after
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for one month or more following a traumatic event, you could be suffering from post traumatic stress. In order to deal with your symptoms and overcome the impact of this trauma, please call me to schedule a therapy appointment. Together, we can process your experience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and help you regain a sense of vitality and well-being in your daily life.
Call Your South Bay Therapist Today!
Although processing these feelings may seem overwhelming right now, I am here to help you through it. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is time to schedule an appointment at my South Bay therapy office. Together, we will help you return to the life you want to live.This means proactively addressing the symptoms that are interfering with your daily functioning, job, and relationships. Call my Hermosa Beach office today.