Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a natural response to trauma that can heal.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder became a psychiatric diagnosis in 1980 after studying the symptoms of some veterans of the Vietnam war. This condition has been observed and recorded by many throughout history, including biblical references in the book of Deuteronomy and many other ancient writings describing dreams of war.

Now we are aware that the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are not only experienced by service men and women, but a response to trauma that we all may experience. Our current understandings of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its treatment has led us to view it as a psychological injury that, with appropriate treatment, can heal.

Symptoms of PTSD?

An unfortunate side effect of the necessary study of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans is the impression for many, that a person must have directly experienced a violent or traumatic event to struggle with this condition. That is not the case. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists four different types of traumatic exposure that can lead to PTSD.

The ways we can be exposed to actual or threatened death, injury, or sexual violence include:

• Directly experiencing a traumatic event

• Witnessing an event that happened to someone else

• Learning about something that happened to someone you care about

• Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to the details of traumatic events while carrying out work duties as a first responder, care professional, health care worker, etc.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by a combination of four different types of symptoms. The symptoms of PTSD can include:

• Avoidance symptoms (at least one)

  • Making an effort to avoid distressing memories, feelings, or thoughts

  • Avoiding external reminders of the past event

• Changes in how you react (at least 2)

  • Irritability or Anger

  • Recklessness

  • Hypervigilance or being on guard

  • Startled Easily

  • Difficulty Concentrating

  • Trouble Sleeping

• Intrusive symptoms (at least one)

  • Unwanted memories of the trauma happening involuntarily

  • Distressing Dreams

  • Flashbacks or loss of awareness of present surroundings

  • Intense emotional or physical reactions to internal or external cues that are similar to or symbolic of the trauma

• Changes in thoughts and mood (at least 2)

  • Difficulty remembering parts of the trauma

  • Negative beliefs about oneself or the world

  • Distorted thoughts of self-blame and guilt

  • Lasting negative emotional state

  • Loss of interest or participation in once enjoyable activities

  • Feeling detached from others

  • Difficulty feeling happy, content, or loving

Treatment

Therapy

Therapy focuses on thoughts, feelings, and problems that are currently influencing your mood and behavior. Often‚ working to process your past can help when those events are effecting your perspective and choices today. Using this perspective, finding ways to manage what is happening in your present situation, and developing coping strategies can move you towards healing and resilience. In therapy, you develop skills to help you cope with daily challenges, modify behaviors‚ and discover solutions.

First Orlando Counseling Center strives to offer excellent trauma treatment. We believe there is hope for recovery and remission from PTSD symptoms.

Some of the treatment protocols we offer are:

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM)

• Trauma-Focused Neuro-Linguistic Programming (TF-NLP)

Medication

• Prescribed medication helps many manage the symptoms. Consult a psychiatrist or a physician about your specific needs. If you are prescribed any medication‚ ask for details about taking the medication and give them all of your information honestly. 

  • Sometimes results are shown in a few days, but it can take four weeks or more to work fully. 

  • Inform your doctor of any side effects. Side effects often go away as your body adjusts, but make sure to keep your doctor informed.

  • Don’t stop taking the medication without your doctor’s instruction to do so. 

  • Some medications may cause risks during pregnancy. Inform your doctor about if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

  • If your symptoms get worse or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others‚ call your doctor right away.

If you are in crisis:

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a 24−hour crisis center or dial 911

  • 1−800−273−TALK (8255)  

• Text the Crisis Text Line The Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis.

  • Text “Home” to 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

• Contact your mental health provider.

• Get help from your physician or other health care provider.

• Reach out to a friend, family member, or other social support.

The information provided is not for diagnostic use or a substitute for mental health care. A mental health professional can make a proper assessment of your symptoms and help you recover. If you believe you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder‚ talk with your doctor or a mental health professional immediately.