PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a disorder which affects more than 3 million people per year.  It can be chronic lasting for years or in some cases be lifelong.  PTSD is a disorder that occurs in individuals who have witnessed a traumatic event in their lives.  

Our brains react to possible threat or danger by kicking in its “fight or flight” response.  This is a normal reaction to what we perceive as danger. However in those who suffer from PTSD, this response continues long after the threat of the danger is gone.  This can result in various symptoms which include nightmares/bad dreams; hypervigilance; flashbacks; isolation/difficulty being around other people and frightening/intrusive thoughts.

Other symptoms that someone who has PTSD can have include feelings of guilt; feeling emotionally numb; losing interest/motivation; having difficulty connecting with other people and avoidance behaviors. 

During my time that I worked at the VA, I worked with many military individuals who were struggling with PTSD.  This disorder affected their lives in so many ways including their relationships with their spouse, their children and other important people in their lives.  It can also affect their performance at their jobs causing many to require taking some time off due to the severity of their symptoms.

The most effective treatment for PTSD is individual therapy and sometimes medication.  There are many medications that can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD.   My job as a therapist is to help you identify coping skills to reduce the symptoms as well as helping identify what triggers symptoms in the first place.

Are you or a loved one struggling with PTSD?  Please contact me to schedule an appointment or to find out more information: