PTSD Symptoms
Indicators of PTSD may not emerge for months or even years after the event. Symptoms range from vague physical signs to intrusive memories and dramatic changes in mood, and include but are not limited to:
- Recurring, distressing memories of the event
- Flashbacks or feelings of reliving the event
- Chronic, upsetting dreams about the event
- Severe anxiety or physical reactions to reminders of the event
- Avoidance of thinking about or discussing the event
- Avoidance of people, places or activities that serve as reminders of the event
- Increased irritability or angry outbursts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Negative feelings about oneself or others
- Memory problems
- Loss of life enjoyment or sense of hopelessness about life
- Sense of guilt or shame
- Jumpiness
People with PTSD can have different symptoms that vary in intensity. Symptoms may change depending on the circumstances that serve as reminders of the traumatic experience. These symptoms are not always detectable to others; therefore, it is even more important to seek the right help and not go through this alone.
PTSD Complications
Certain reactions to an overwhelming experience are natural and to be expected. With PTSD, however, those reactions persist and may eventually interfere with your sense of self and impair your ability to function in school, the workplace or social settings.
Without treatment, the symptoms of PTSD can grow worse and lead to increasingly negative feelings and social isolation. PTSD can also increase your risk for developing major depression, other anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems, or suicidal thoughts.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health – they rely on each other. You wouldn’t leave a physical wound that will not close and heal unattended and we feel it is important to treat your mental health in the same way.