What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event of some sort. Experiencing it yourself can be just as traumatizing as witnessing it. Any event, or series of events that overwhelms you with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and leaves you emotionally shattered, can trigger PTSD. This may happen especially if the event feels unpredictable and uncontrollable.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping with the things they have been through, but with time and good self-care, they usually can get better on their own. But if the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD can start right after experiencing a traumatic event, but it is also normal to start a few weeks later or in some cases even after several years.
Survivor’s guilt can be a direct result of a traumatic event that causes PTSD. The Columbine school shooting here in Denver for example has impacted many, many people and one case was described in this article. The mother of one shooting survivor who died by suicide shared her daughter’s PTSD and survivor guilt. The father of the young Columbine victim had struggled with prolonged grief over 6 years after his daughter’s death, according to his wife.
How do I know if I have PTSD?
PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last longer than one month. It is very important to seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent the symptoms from getting more intense.
Symptoms of PTSD include the following:
- Trouble sleeping and/or concentrating
- Unwanted and distressing flashbacks to the event
- Unprovoked anger and aggressive behavior
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Negative thoughts and a feeling of hopelessness about yourself, others and the world in general
- Avoiding memories of the traumatic event
- Self destructive behavior, such as dangerous driving, using drugs, alcohol abuse etc.
How to treat PTSD
One form of treatment is behavioral therapy, called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation, such as hand taps or sounds. These techniques work by “unfreezing” the brain’s information processing system, which is interrupted in times of extreme stress. Here at Thrive Counseling in Denver, you can connect with Julia Hofman, if you are looking for a therapist that is trained in EMDR.
Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy is another form of treatment and involves gradually “exposing” yourself to feelings and situations that remind you of the trauma, and replacing distorted and irrational thoughts about the experience with a more balanced picture.
Recovery from PTSD is a gradual, ongoing process. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, nor do the memories of the trauma ever disappear completely.
Here are some ways to cope with PTSD in a positive way:
- Learn about trauma and PTSD
- Join a support group
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or focused deep breathing
- Talk about your symptoms to a person you trust
- Spend time with positive people
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Spend some time in nature (for relaxation, seclusion and peace)
- Exercise (the released endorphins can improve your mood and general outlook)
- Volunteer – this is a great way to connect to others in a positive way and regain your sense of control and self worth
- Choose healthy foods – Omega 3s play a vital role in emotional health so incorporate foods such as fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts into your diet. Limit processed food, fried food, refined starches, and sugars, which can exacerbate mood swings and cause fluctuations in your energy
- Focus on getting enough restful sleep
A recent article by the Denver Post revealed that first responders are a group that is especially impacted by PTSD due to the traumatic nature of their jobs. Seven first responders from different departments in Denver have committed suicide in the last two years – which is seven times the national average. The departments are reacting and offering more mental health awareness and education.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or need to work through a trauma of any kind, please reach out to a therapist. We here at Thrive Counseling offer free consultations and all of our therapists are trained in and have experience with working with clients who have experienced trauma.