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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a normal response by normal people to an abnormal event. The severity of the exposure to the event represents a threat to their physical or psychological well-being. As such, the traumatic event overwhelms normal coping responses and challenges their ability to cope. The result is traumatic stress.
These types of events include rape or other types of assault, childhood sexual or physical abuse, family violence, accidents and other life threatening situations.

There are many common responses to an abnormal event:

  • Anxiety about a possible recurrence
  • Confusion and difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Temporary mood swings
  • General changes in temperament and irritability
  • Flashbacks or reliving the event emotionally
  • Sleep problems and/or nightmares
  • Change in appetite
  • Emotional distress caused by events that remind you of the traumatic event
  • Desire to avoid anything that might remind you of the traumatic event
  • Diminished interest in important activities (work, social or family)
  • Feeling detached or estranged from others
  • Angry feelings, a lack of patience and short temper
  • Increased health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Depression, decreased energy, tearfulness and loss of pleasure

If several of these symptoms are present, it is advisable to seek professional help. Unresolved trauma can have a tragic impact on the life and choices made by the individual exposed to these types of events. For many, the painful feelings can continue for a long time despite attempts to cope. Others seem to manage well for a time and then find themselves distressed months or years later.

Early intervention, ideally during the first three months, is key to returning to a normal life that avoids PTSD. Treatment will be shorter and save the individual the pain of symptoms and choices that can have a negative affect on their life. While it is preferable to get professional help within the first three months, those who find themselves struggling with stress due to a traumatic event can find help through internationally recognized therapies for PTSD, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

If you or a loved one is dealing with PTSD, Westside Behavioral Care can help. Many of our therapists are highly experienced in treating PTSD and specialize in EDMR. Search for a WBC therapist in our area who treats PTSD and make an immediate appointment.