What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. PTSD is a trauma response that develops as a result of exposure to a distressing event or situation.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Common symptoms include the following: intrusive memory flashbacks, nightmares, distressing thoughts, avoidance of people, places or activities that remind you of the traumatic event, increased feelings of depression and/or anxiety, feeling hypervigilant, heightened startle response, sleep disturbances, difficulty focusing or concentrating, abnormal behaviors and responses. PTSD symptoms can change over time.
How does trauma impact the brain?
When someone is suffering from PTSD, you may notice that their behaviors and reasons for their behaviors do not seem rational or “normal” for them. You may be in situations with them and may notice they are not acting like themselves. Relationships, work and daily functioning can all be negatively impacted because of how the trauma is impacting the brain.
Healthy coping strategies to help relieve the distress of PTSD include: therapy/counseling, spending time with supportive people, practicing mindfulness, exercising, and healing spaces. If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, seek out the needed support! There are people who care who are trained to help you or a loved one heal!
