When people in Clearwater think of someone diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), they will typically think about someone who’s a war veteran. However, they aren’t the only ones who can be diagnosed with PTSD. This disorder is frequently triggered after a terrifying event occurs – one in which physical harm or the threat of physical harm was present. Therefore victims of assault and people who have witnessed a traumatic experience are also commonly diagnosed with it.
Although PTSD develops differently for everyone, there are certain symptoms that most people with this disorder will have, including:
- Recurring nightmares of the event – sometimes these get so bad that they’re referred to as night terrors
- Severe anxiety
- Uncontrollable thoughts (a.k.a., flashbacks) about the event wherein the person feels as though they’re re-experiencing the traumatic event
- Increased feelings of shock, anger, fear, and guilt
- Feeling scared and helpless
- Actively seeking ways to avoid reminders of the trauma
- Hypervigilance: Being hyper-alert about their environment, so you’re prepared to immediately take action to defend yourself
- Increased anxiety and emotional arousal
Most people who experience a traumatic event will have some of the same reactions as are mentioned here. However, the difference is that people who are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder find that their symptoms last longer than one month. They make it difficult for the person to function in the same way that they did before the event.
Whether your symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are hours or days after a traumatic experience, it doesn’t matter. Some people haven’t even experienced these symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after the event. We simply want you to know that we’re here for you at Mental Health Treatment Tampa Bay in Clearwater, FL. Get in touch with us today so we can help you overcome your trauma.