Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are two of the most commonly misunderstood mental health challenges. Trauma is defined by SAMHSA as “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is when trauma begins interfering with an individual’s day-to-day life where it crosses certain thresholds in several different categories outlined in the DSM-V.
What are the symptoms of Trauma & PTSD?
The DSM-V outlines Trauma and PTSD in a very broad way. This is because trauma and what forms of trauma can result in PTSD can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the more common symptoms of Trauma & PTSD are as follows:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
- Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or effect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
- Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings.)
- Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
- Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
- Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation), typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
- Hypervigilance.
- Exaggerated startle response.
- Problems with concentration.
- Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).
Not everyone experiences PTSD or Trauma in the same way, so your symptoms may be totally different from someone you know. If you believe you are experiencing PTSD, contact us today to get started on your wellness journey.