Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
At some point in time, many individuals have endured an unpleasant or traumatic event in their lives. Most often these individuals are able to bounce back and recover emotionally, physically, and/or psychologically. However, for some people in the aftermath of a traumatic event the effects are longer lasting and can alter their mental health long-term in sometimes debilitating ways. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that develops in some individuals after they experience a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. As a trusted therapist in the Manhattan Beach area, I frequently help clients who struggle with PTSD. If you believe that you are suffering from PTSD, it is important for you to visit your local counselor and get the treatment you need today.
What Defines PTSD?
Though studies have shown that PTSD can develop as a result of physical injury and the disorder is commonly associated among military personnel, PTSD can also occur as a result of any traumatizing encounter. PTSD is characterized by an inability to recover after experiencing a terrifying or life-threatening event. Typically, it is normal to have a strong initial negative reaction to a traumatizing event. Yet, when the symptoms begin to linger and interfere with one’s day-to-day life, you may want to consider getting additional help and support.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Signs and symptoms of PTSD usually begin within three months of the event, and can become chronic if left untreated. In some rare cases, individuals may not experience symptoms until years later. You may be suffering from PTSD if you have experienced a traumatizing event and have been suffering from the following symptoms for at least one month:
- Flashbacks/Negative Thoughts: Frequently have uncontrollable scary or unpleasant thoughts, or repeat the event multiple times in your mind. You may also experience physical stressors, like increased heart rate or sweating.
- Issues Sleeping: Suffer from restless sleep and have frequent nightmares or bad dreams.
- Avoidance: You may avoid anything that may remind you of the trauma: people, places, thoughts, or even situations.
- On Edge: You may be easily startled, feel tense, and have occasional angry outbursts.
- Change in Mood: You may perceive things in a more negative light, feel a sense of guilt, suffer from anxiety, or suddenly lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Issues Recalling Event: You may forget significant things that occurred during the traumatic event – before, after or during.
How to Treat PTSD
As a therapist who works with trauma, I highly recommend treatment early on for PTSD, since the recovery varies for each individual. Some individuals can recover in six months, while others struggle with the disorder for much longer. If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms for over a month, your doctor will conduct various tests to verify if you have PTSD. If you are diagnosed, the goal is to work on eliminating the emotional and physical symptoms, and help you learn to cope with the event that caused your PTSD. I understand every client’s needs may vary, which is why no treatment plan is the same. Treatment may include counseling, medication, or a combination of the two.
Contact Your South Bay and Manhattan Beach Counselor Today
Recovering from PTSD can be a long process, and is not something that you should go through alone. If you believe you are suffering from PTSD and live in the South Bay or Manhattan Beach area, contact my practice today. The therapists in my practice and I want to work with you to help you get your life back. If you are suffering from PTSD, please don’t hesitate to call me at 310-892-2572 or contact me online so that we can begin the healing process today.