PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you have been the victim or observer of a traumatic event it is possible you will be experiencing PTSD in some form or shape at some time – these may appear within days, weeks, months or sometimes even years following the event.

Symptoms which would alert you to possible PTSD are:

• Flashbacks of the event, vivid and sudden memories
• Nightmares of the event
• Inability to remember an aspect of the event or its entirety
• Hyper-arousal, being on guard – exaggerated startled response
• Hyper vigilant, constantly looking around for potential stressors or danger
• Avoidance of all reminders of the traumatic event – inclusive exposure to events that resemble the event.
• Body reactivity such as panic-attacks, heart palpitations, sweating to events bearing resemblance of the traumatic event.

PTSD is a response by normal people to an abnormal situation
If you suspect that you, someone in the family or a friend has PTSD it is important to reach out for help right away. The sooner it is confronted, the easier it is to overcome.

PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a normal reaction to unintegrated trauma. The process of integration is much easier with the guidance and support of an experienced therapist.