Understanding PTSD: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help
By Jade McCloud
At Family Resource Center, we often see individuals who have experienced trauma in various forms. While Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with soldiers on the battlefield, it can impact anyone who has undergone a traumatic event. This includes survivors of sexual assault, natural disasters, physical abuse, severe accidents, violent crime, and many more.
Our minds are inherently resilient and equipped to recover from stressful and traumatic events. However, sometimes the impact of these events alters our worldview and self-perception, leaving a lasting effect. PTSD can show up differently in each person, with symptoms appearing shortly after the event, or being delayed for months or even years.
Recognizing PTSD: Key Indicators
For someone to be diagnosed with PTSD, several criteria must be met. Here are some questions to help determine if you or a loved one might be experiencing PTSD:
Have you experienced a life-threatening or traumatic event, either personally or as a witness?
Have symptoms related to the trauma lasted more than a month and interfered with your work, school, or relationships?
If you answered yes to these questions, consider the following symptoms:
Flashbacks or feeling like the traumatic event is happening again.
Difficulty sleeping, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares related to the trauma.
Feeling isolated or detached from others.
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Experiencing anger outbursts or extreme reactions, increased irritability, and hypervigilance.
Constant worry about the world, feelings of guilt or sadness.
Intrusive, frightening thoughts about the event and difficulty concentrating.
Physical symptoms such as chronic headaches or feeling nauseous.
Avoidance of thoughts, memories, or feelings related to the trauma.
Memory issues concerning the traumatic event.
Developing negative beliefs about yourself or the world as a result of the trauma.
Taking the Next Steps
If you recognize many or all of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, acknowledging them is the first step towards healing. Now, let's explore ways to seek support and address the trauma.
Attend Open Access
Begin by attending Open Access at our FRC, where you can explore counseling support tailored to your needs. Counseling can provide a safe space to process your trauma and develop coping strategies.
Medication Support
Speaking with a medication provider might also be beneficial. Medication can help calm your trauma response, creating a conducive environment for therapeutic interventions to be effective.
You Are Not Alone
Remember, you are not alone. PTSD is a treatable condition, and with the right information, skill-building, and support, you can work towards recovery and improving your quality of life.
For more information and to get started on your journey to healing, please reach out to us. Resources, including information about our approach to recovery and a free mental wellness screening are available at www.frcohio.org. We fundamentally believe that people do recover, and our team of trained professionals is here to support you every step of the way.