With all that has and is happening in our world i.e., mass shootings, the wars between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas, hostage situations, economic crisis, and social justice issues, COVID 19 pandemic, hurricanes, catastrophic wildfires, increased concerns about climate change, domestic violence, political violence (January 6 assault on the Capitol), it’s enough to cause high anxiety and stress; and for some developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What is PTSD?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) states the diagnostic criteria for PTSD is exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in directly experiencing the traumatic event, witnessing in person the event(s) as it occurred to others, learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend; experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s).
What are the myths about PTSD?
Some of the myths about PTSD are: only veterans who have seen combat can develop PTSD. PTSD occurs immediately after a traumatic event. PTSD will go away over time. You have to experience extreme violence to be diagnosed with PTSD. These are only a few of the myths. But the truth is anyone can develop PTSD, and PTSD is not an invisible disease that is all in a person’s head.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD includes a variety of symptoms and can be presented in many different ways. A person can experience intrusive thoughts or dreams related to re-living the trauma. They may avoid any thoughts, places or potential triggers related to the trauma. One can experience negative thoughts and mood, difficulty remembering parts of the trauma, or have illogical thoughts related to why the trauma happened. Also, there can be arousal symptoms, i.e., difficulty sleeping or concentrating and being easily startled. Other symptoms may include suicidal ideations.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, I’d like to help you. Contact me at dharris@doutecounselingservices.com or call me at 678-408-2509.
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