It Feels Bad: How To Know if You Have Symptoms of PTSD

We need to talk about it. It’s not easy to share this mental health disorder. But there are famous people who have shared their struggles. One is Monica Seles. In 1993, a crazed fan attacked her. The man was a fan of her opponent (Steffi Graff). Seles experienced flashbacks and nightmares. She was on guard and scared because she thought someone would attack her. These memories remained; so she left the sport she loves. Because of PTSD, she felt the need to take a two-year break from tennis.

The Hidden Wound of PTSD

Some keep numb by keeping their glasses full. You can also suffer trauma from experiencing an act. You have trouble adjusting. Your PTSD symptoms often began one month after the ordeal. But sometimes it may take years. Your symptoms cause friction in social, work, and personal relationships. And stifle you from doing your daily routines.

It's A Life altering experience

There are unfortunate events that leave scars. It’s not only war. A car accident, physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse or natural disaster all qualify as PTSD. It can be an emotional or flashback. Accompanied by physical complaints such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, stomach, and digestive issues.

What Typical Symptoms Look Like

It is not easy to connect the pain to Post-traumatic stress disorder.  The pain is a constant reminder. It will get worse if left untreated. You remain frightened of who will witness your reactions. You wonder that may not seem stable in normal circumstances. You can’t escape your mental disorder. There are four PTSD symptoms to watch:

Intrusive memories include:

1. obsessive memories

2. Flashbacks or Nightmares about the issue

3. Severe outbursts or physical response to a trigger

Avoidance

1. You block thinking or talking about the experience.

2. You avoid activities or people

3. Or places that you associate with the trauma

Negative changes in thinking and mood

1. Negative thought processes about self-image or other people, or the world.

2. Pessimism about the future.

3. Memory is foggy- you can’t remember details.

4. Unable to engage in close relationships.

5. Feeling isolated from family and friends.

6. No interest in activities you usually enjoy

Physical changes and emotional outbursts.

1. Unable to muster positive emotions.

2. Feeling numb

3. Changes in arousal symptoms, agitated.

4. Always on alert

5. Drinking too much or other reckless behavior

6. Trouble sleeping.

7. Trouble keeping focused.

8. Aggressive behavior, irritable

Insomnia happens because your head is stuck on the memory. Or you sleep too much. There are levels of anger directed at people and random moments. Self-medicating with drugs is another red flag that your mental health is fragile.

That’s not to say most people will continue to suffer from PTSD. Some people can improve within 6 months. Only a mental health professional (psychologist/psychiatrist) can diagnose. There is a clear path to resolution.

That’s why we are here for you. Don’t ever wonder. With us you receive counseling. If you want to dump your personal trauma experience.. Your livelihood depends on seeking help. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others. Contact us to help you become a highly functioning individual. Trauma can be healed. We specialize in the assessment and treatment of PTSD.