PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Experiencing trauma rewires your brain to be hyper-vigilant and alert, a natural process that helps you survive life-threatening situations. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when your brain continues to act this way long after the danger has passed. People with PTSD may re-live the scary experience, get panic attacks, or suddenly feel the urge to escape. They may also withdraw from loved ones and become isolated or stuck in unhealthy relationships or behavioral patterns. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their emotional pain. If you can relate, know that help is available at Placid Health. Our providers take the time to connect personally to help you heal from trauma.
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What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms vary in type and severity but generally fall into four categories:
Intrusion: Intrusive thoughts can include flashbacks, nightmares, or repeated, involuntary memories of the traumatic event.
Avoidance: These symptoms include avoiding people, places, and things that remind you of the traumatic event, as well as avoiding thinking about the event.
Alterations in mood and cognition: Alterations in cognition and mood can include the inability to recall important aspects of the traumatic event and experiencing negative thoughts and feelings such as, “I can’t trust anyone.” You may become detached or estranged from others and experience continuous fear, horror, anger, guilt, and shame.
Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Arousal and reactivity symptoms may include irritability, engaging in reckless or self-destructive behavior, feeling suspicious, overly watchful, or easily startled, and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.