Post-traumatic stress disorder – commonly referred to as PTSD – is a condition triggered by memories of a traumatic event. Patients with PTSD often suffer from severe anxiety, flashbacks, and/or nightmares of an event that was terrifying or shocking.
PTSD can affect your day-to-day functioning at work or at home. The signs and symptoms can seriously interfere with family and romantic relationships; even friendships may be affected. Workplace and social situations also prove to be a challenge to patients with PTSD.
Signs & Symptoms
It’s important to note that signs and symptoms of PTSD will vary from person to person. Not everyone with PTSD will experience it the same way.
Signs of PTSD include self-isolation as well as extreme physical and emotional reactions to people and situations. Also, sleep doesn’t come easy to PTSD sufferers, which affects how they function the next day. Many patients with PTSD tend to overreact to otherwise minor frustrations or challenges. These patients may also avoid people, places, and things that could serve as a reminder of the traumatizing event. Those with PTSD may encounter memory gaps, sometimes even forgetting important aspects of the event. Engaging in risky behavior is also common such as drinking too much or taking drugs. A patient’s relationships are negatively affected.
Symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, nightmares, negative patterns of thinking, and persistent thoughts related to the event. Patients with PTSD often report feeling hopeless about the future and may have no goals. There is a lack of interest in activities that used to bring joy and excitement. In general, it is very difficult for PTSD sufferers to remain positive or upbeat.
Signs and symptoms usually appear soon after the traumatic event. However, some patients report signs and symptoms appearing years after the event.
Help for PTSD in Southbury, Connecticut
Signs and symptoms of PTSD usually do not go away without proper treatment. The good news is that with proper treatment, patients with PTSD can go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Getting treatment sooner rather than later really makes a difference in the treatment of PTSD.
In addition to the stress of PTSD, you may also feel shame and guilt related to the trauma of your disorder. If this sounds like you, please know that you do not have to go through it alone. Dr. Mark Stracks of Psy-Visions will help create a treatment plan that is best suited for your unique needs.
At Psy-Visions, we provide the support you need so you can retake control of your life. Call us at (203) 405-1745 or request an appointment now.
