June is PTSD Awareness Month
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health problem that develops after experiencing or witnessing a life threatening event. While there are treatment options that work for PTSD many people do not receive the care they need. In the month of June, awareness is raised about PTSD and its treatments to help reach veterans and civilians who suffer from PTSD.
PTSD is estimated to affect 6% of adults at some point in their lives. Women are twice more likely than men to develop PTSD. People who develop PTSD experience problems in everyday life from sleep, work, and things they use to enjoy. Relationships with family and friends can also be affected from stressful reactions to the event and the feelings of being on edge.
The stressful feelings after a traumatic event are normal, but if they last longer than a few months and cause problems in your life it’s possible you may have PTSD. The sooner symptoms are identified the quicker treatment can be sought out and relief is found. This is why it is important to learn and understand the symptoms of PTSD.
There are 4 types of PTSD symptoms. Each person experiences these symptoms differently, so symptoms may not all look alike.
- Reliving the event
- Avoiding things that remind you of the event
- Experiencing more negative feelings and thoughts than before the event
- Feeling on edge (hyperarousal)
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms after a traumatic event take the first steps in finding relief for PTSD by reaching out to us for a consultation.
Compassionate care and support can always be found here.