Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Have you recently experienced a traumatic event and are having trouble getting back to your normal daily life activities? Do you find yourself having flashbacks or re-experiencing a traumatic event? Is it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep since you experienced the event? Do you feel as if life is simply not the same since the event? If so, you may be experiencing PTSD.

The traumatic event that leads to post-traumatic stress disorder is usually viewed as life threatening, overwhelming or frightening. As your sense of safety and trust is shattered, it’s normal to feel out of control, disconnected, or numb. The only difference between people who go on to develop PTSD and those who don’t is how they cope with the trauma. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise suddenly, gradually, or come and go over time. At times symptoms appear seemingly out of the blue. At other times, they are triggered by something that reminds you of the original traumatic event, such as a noise, an image, certain words, or a smell. We know it can be life altering and difficult.

At Healing Crossroads we can help you through this intense process with the guidance and support of an experienced therapist. Our methods will help get you on the path to a healthy way of living without the anxiety and fear caused by PTSD. Our coping skills and support can help improve your overall quality of living.

Symptoms:

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event by flashbacks, upsetting memories of the event and feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
• Avoidance of people, places and experiences that remind us of the event.
• Loss of interest in normal daily life activities and life in general.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Self-destructive behavior to deal with the fear or pain.
• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
• Feelings of depression and hopelessness.
• Feelings of mistrust and betrayal.

Interventions / Solutions:

• Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. The careful and gradual exposure to thoughts, feelings, and situations that remind you of the trauma.
• Examining and resolving strong feelings such as anger, shame, or guilt, which are common among survivors of trauma.
• As PTSD can affect both you and those close to you, family therapy can be productive. It can help your loved ones understand what you are going through.
• Support, relaxation techniques, stress management and coping skills.