Understanding PTSD: Strategies to Reclaim Your Life and Build Resilience
Therapy creates a secure environment for you to examine your emotions and cultivate coping strategies. With expert support, you can learn to regain control over your symptoms, restoring a sense of safety and empowerment in your life.
PTSD Insights & Healing Resources
Answers to common questions about posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events. It's natural to experience fear and anxiety following such events. For some individuals, these emotions can endure for an extended period, impacting their daily functioning. If these symptoms persist for over a month after the trauma, they could indicate the presence of PTSD.
There are four categories of PTSD symptoms.
The first is re-experiencing the trauma, which encompasses symptoms such as intrusive and uncontrollable memories (or flashbacks) that disrupt daily life, nightmares, intense distress triggered by reminders of the trauma, and physical reactions like rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, sweating, or panic attacks when reminded of the incident.
The second category is avoidance, which includes symptoms like steering clear of places, people, or objects that might evoke memories of the traumatic experience and a reluctance to discuss or think about the event.
The third category involves negative thoughts and mood, where symptoms may consist of self-blame or blaming others for the trauma, feelings of numbness, sadness, anger, or guilt, difficulty recalling the event, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and emotional detachment from others.
The fourth category is increased alertness, characterized by symptoms such as constantly scanning the surroundings for signs of danger, being easily startled, exhibiting irritability or aggression, having trouble sleeping, and experiencing poor concentration.PTSD can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This may involve severe injury, sexual violence, a situation that threatens life, or death. It can also stem from hearing about a traumatic event that affected someone close to you.
Experiences that may trigger PTSD include serious accidents, natural disasters like bushfires, floods, and earthquakes, residing in a war zone, military combat, sexual or physical assault, torture, or terrorism, and witnessing harm or death. While going through a relationship break-up or job loss can be profoundly distressing, these are not the types of events that lead to PTSD.PTSD symptoms can worsen over time. Addressing them now may prevent further deterioration in the future and enhance your overall quality of life. These symptoms can disrupt your relationships, leading you to withdraw from loved ones, struggle to connect with others, or experience feelings of anger, irritation, or aggression. Seeking support for your PTSD can significantly improve your relationships.
You might be tempted to conceal your struggles or avoid seeking help due to stigma. It’s possible to feel unworthy of happiness because of your symptoms. Remember, if you have PTSD, you’re not alone. Mental health issues are as prevalent as physical health issues. Taking charge of your situation and reaching out for help is the best step you can take for yourself.
If you or someone you are familiar with shows signs of PTSD that are disrupting work, school, or daily activities for more than two weeks following a traumatic event, it's crucial to consult a doctor or health professional. Additionally, if you or a person you know is at a higher risk for developing PTSD after a trauma, seeking support early on could potentially lower that risk.
The Path to Healing from Trauma
Engaging in evidence-based psychological interventions is crucial for processing traumatic events and memories. These methods effectively reduce intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and emotional distress while helping you adopt positive coping skills. Our tailored approach guarantees personalised support designed to meet your specific needs.
Assessment of symptoms
To assess PTSD symptoms effectively, it is crucial to evaluate the severity of the symptoms experienced. This assessment will provide valuable insights that inform the subsequent treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
Psychoeducation
In this session, we’ll explore how trauma impacts our brain, mental health, and emotional state. Understanding these effects can empower you to navigate your experiences more effectively.
Coping skills
Learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques, establish self-care practices, re-build a sense of safety and self-esteem, and gently re-engage in life, recognising ones resilience.
