You do not have to live with PTSD... We can help
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as a car accident, a natural disaster, a sexual assault or combat.
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD) describes a more severe form of PTSD that can occur after long-term and repeated exposure to physical or emotional trauma over which a person has little or no control. Long-term exposure to trauma can disrupt a person’s ability to control emotions and form relationships with others. It can also cause memory problems, anxiety, guilt, the inability to trust and physical pains.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Common symptoms associated with PTSD are:
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Intrusive memories:
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event.
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks).
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event.
Severe emotional or physical distress at something that reminds you of the traumatic event
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Avoidance:
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
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Negative changes in thinking and mood:
Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
Hopelessness about the future
Not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Feeling emotionally numb, sad, or finding it difficult to enjoy anything
Overwhelming guilt or shame
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Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Being easily startled or frightened
Always being on guard for danger
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
Trouble sleeping / concentrating
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
What are the Symptoms of Complex -PTSD?
Symptoms that are commonly associated with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can manifest in a myriad of ways, a few are the following:
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Persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts or extreme anger
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Difficulty controlling emotions
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Memory loss
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Feelings of shame or guilt
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Inability to trust others
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Dissociation
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Physical pain that can’t be medically explained
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Loss of identity
How Do We Treat PTSD and Complex-PTSD?
Counseling for complex PTSD often includes addressing interpersonal, behavioral, emotional, and mental difficulties and methods for restoring control of one’s life. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help restore a sense of control. It’ll also help to understand the feelings and behaviors one is experiencing, and help change the way one thinks about the traumatic events that have happened. To learn more about EMDR, click on the video below.