Suffered a Traumatic Event? How To Tell If You Have PTSD

If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life, you could have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD do not always happen right away. Sometimes, the symptoms of PTSD can develop over time.

Treatment is always beneficial where PTSD is concerned. But, it is not always easy to know when you are suffering from PTSD. If you have dealt with a traumatic event in your life, identify the signs of PTSD to seek appropriate care and support. Explore seven common signs of PTSD.

Avoidance Behaviors

PTSD can affect every facet of your life. PTSD can make you avoid anything that reminds you of the traumatic event. This can include avoiding certain places or activities. You may even avoid conversations about the traumatic event. Avoidance is a coping mechanism many people with PTSD use to prevent reexperiencing emotions and memories associated with the event.

Intrusive Memories

Traumatic events can cause you to relive the event again and again. These intrusive memories often manifest themselves as vivid flashbacks or distressing nightmares, which can cause you to relive the traumatic experience. Intrusive memories can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, including sights, sounds, and smells. 

Intense Reactions

When you suffer from PTSD, you may notice that you react differently to things. When you have PTSD, you may have intense emotional and physical reactions to triggers associated with the trauma.

These reactions can include feelings of intense sadness, anger, or fear. But, you may also experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat. In extreme situations, you may have difficulty breathing.

Social Isolation

Post-traumatic stress disorder can also affect the way you interact with others. You may find that you want to avoid all types of social settings. This type of social isolation can stop you from going out in public or from wanting to be around other people.

Unfortunately, this can affect you and your family. It can also interfere with your livelihood, especially if the feelings of isolation prevent you from going to work. PTSD can also cause you to lose interest in activities you enjoy.

Hyperarousal

It is not unusual to feel like you are on edge when you suffer from PTSD. You may feel like you are constantly on edge or irritable. Or, you may be in a continuous state of hyperarousal. When that happens, everything may feel exaggerated, including your irritability, anxiety, and startle response. These responses are all symptoms of PTSD. 

Cognitive Changes

If you have developed PTSD from a traumatic event in your life, you may notice cognitive changes. Some of those changes can include memory lapses or a lack of concentration. You may also notice changes in your mood and thought patterns. PTSD can lead to significant changes in an individual's mood and thought patterns. 

Feelings of Blame

If you have suffered from a traumatic event, talk to someone about PTSD. It is not uncommon for you to experience feelings of shame and blame after a traumatic event. These feelings can start with intense grief and regret.

Over time, they can transition into shame and blame. Unfortunately, feelings of shame and blame are difficult to overcome and can interfere with the healing process. 

If you are trying to heal from a traumatic event, talk to a counselor right away. A counselor can help you recognize the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Recognizing the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder is crucial, especially where early intervention and treatment are concerned.

Call us at Heritage Mental Health Clinic. Our trained staff can help you recognize the symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you onto the path towards healing.