PTSD

Who does PTSD affect?

PTSD could affect anyone who experiences a sufficiently traumatic event. It usually develops in response to a life-threatening or horrific situation, such as surviving a:

• Fire
• Flood
• Hurricane or tornado
• Earthquake
• Plane or rail crash
• Sinking ship
• Severe auto accident
• Sexual assault
• Violent assault
• Bombing
• Shooting or stabbing
• War or other armed conflict

You don’t necessarily have to be the victim — seeing terrible things happening to others can also be traumatic. For example, first responders often develop PTSD after seeing the outcomes of these incidents. It’s also possible to develop a chronic form of the condition (complex PTSD) after years of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Anyone experiencing trauma will likely find it deeply affecting, but their feelings reduce over the weeks following the event until they overcome the shock. With PTSD, the horror either never goes away or resurfaces months or years in the future.

How do I know if I have PTSD?

The symptom that distinguishes PTSD from other mental health disorders is flashbacks. These memories of the traumatic experience are intensely lifelike, making you feel like you’re going through the event again. Certain sounds, smells, and sights usually trigger flashbacks.

Other PTSD symptoms include:

• Frequent nightmares
• Intrusive memories of the trauma
• Refusing to talk about the event
• Negative thoughts about yourself
• Survivor’s guilt
• Distrust of others
• Anger management problems
• Avoiding reminders of trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Increased irritability
• Reckless or self-destructive behaviors

These problems can affect your ability to work, study, and maintain relationships. People with PTSD often become socially withdrawn and isolated from family and friends.

What help is available for PTSD?

PTSD is a severe disorder, but you can overcome it with the right help. Derek specializes in helping people with PTSD and related conditions like depression and anxiety using psychotherapy.

He may use practical techniques like various forms of behavioral therapy. These approaches look at what’s causing you difficulties in daily life, like dreading the sound of a car backfiring, someone shouting, or being unable to visit certain places.

With Derek’s help, you learn to identify the thoughts that cause you difficulties and put a brake on the unhelpful reactions. You challenge flawed thoughts and replace them with accurate ones, developing better coping skills and increasing your self-confidence.

Call Logos Mental Health and Wellness, for expert PTSD treatment delivered with compassion. You can also use the online scheduling feature to request an appointment at any time.