PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental health condition that occurs in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. When past experiences, situations or events have occurred and they are reminded of the same. These reminders of past traumatic events cause much distress and in certain cases extreme. They experience a fight-or-flight response as if they were reliving the traumatic experience.

Many people only associate PTSD with trauma from military combat. However, PTSD can also result from experiencing many different experiences such as; abuse (sexual or emotional), rape, natural disasters, etc. People can develop PTSD without experiencing trauma first-hand. In some cases, just the fact that one witnessed (viewed) a traumatic event can also result in PTSD.

With certain cases PTSD can go on for years. The condition can affect people at almost any age, including during childhood.

Some signs and symptoms include

• Re-experiencing symptoms: Experiencing recurring memories of the traumatic event. These can come in the form of flashbacks and nightmares, and can be extremely frightening. Triggers, such as visiting the place of the event may cause the person to recall memories of the traumatic event.

• Avoidance symptoms: One can actively avoid the people and places associated with past trauma and leading to significant disruption in a person's life. 

• Arousal and reactivity symptoms: Being on edge and stressed. Individual not feeling safe from the threat of new traumatic events.

• Cognition and mood symptoms:  People who have PTSD may have low self-esteem or have a negative outlook. Can include not being able to maintain relationships and/or developing trust with others.

The above symptoms are common responses and can exhibit one or more of the above.

To receive a PTSD diagnosis please reach out to NeuMind Wellness Group.