Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Trauma is a psychologically distressing experience that a person may suffer through or witness. Trauma may also occur upon hearing painful or alarming news about one’s loved ones. Though very frightening or disturbing, if handled well, a person is able to return to their normal selves after some time.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder resulting from trauma. This occurs when a person is greatly affected by their trauma, causing them to experience flashbacks, severe anxiety, or other negative and uncontrollable thoughts about what had occurred – even after many months or years after the event.

In some situations, PTSD might not occur right away.It can be triggered later on, instigating unanticipated problems at work or elsewhere.

The following are the four main categories of PTSD symptoms:

1. Avoidance

Sufferers of PTSD often avoid thinking or discussing the traumatic circumstances, fearing the emotions that may resurface. This avoidance also includes steering clear of places, activities, or people which may remind one of the traumatic event.

Though this is considered normal to a certain degree, particularly if it has just been a few weeks or months after the terrible circumstance; if this avoidance continues on, it becomes a problem as it may negatively affect the sufferer’s school, work, social, or family life.

For example, some end up shunning loved ones simply because of traits that remind them of what happened (e.g. a good friend resembles the one who attacked the sufferer). Some even quit work because their office is near the scene of the accident or crime.

2. Hyperarousal

Those who suffer from PTSD experience hyperarousal symptoms (fight or flight response) as their body and mind have been placed on high alert due to the fear triggered by reminders of the traumatic event. When triggered, sufferers of PTSD may:

• Easily become frightened, startled, or worried;
• Become alert or even paranoid about immediate danger (though there is none);
• Experience overpowering feelings of shame or guilt;
• Display irritable, aggressive, or self-destructive behavior;
• Lose focus on whatever they are doing; or
• Have difficulty relaxing or falling asleep.

Additionally, teens or adults with PTSD may turn to substance abuse to negate the terrifying feelings; while younger children may even re-enact the traumatic events as they play.

3. Intrusive memories

Those with PTSD usually suffer from intrusive memories such as flashbacks of the event or recurring, upsetting memories related to it.Oftentimes these are triggered when something that reminds them of the traumatic event is seen or experienced (e.g. seeing a bladed object which reminds them of the crime, hearing the sound of waves which brings back scary thoughts of the shipwreck, smelling smoke which reminds them of the fire).

If not consciously experienced, these intrusive memories may surface as frequent nightmares, especially in young children.

4. Negative effects on thoughts and moods 

PTSD can also negatively alter a person mentally and emotionally.Some of these changes include:

• Loss of memory, even about details of the traumatic event;
• A huge drop in confidence or belief in oneself;
• Feelings of hopelessness;
• Constant negativity and gloom;
• Emotional numbness;
• Detachment from loved ones;
• Disinterest in formerly enjoyable activities; or
• Disillusionment with the world.

Persons who have experienced trauma may have a range of responses that may or may not lead to PTSD. And even for PTSD, there are varying forms.

Normal Stress Response: Exposure to a traumatic situation usually leads to emotional stress – even if the person was just an observer. Negative symptoms include frightening thoughts, vivid recollection of the situation, bodily stress, emotional numbness, or detachment from reality.This, however, does not always lead to PTSD, if managed well.

Acute Stress Disorder: This is a higher level of stress response to trauma where the person’s symptoms are more extreme, preventing them from functioning properly at home, work, or school. The person may suffer from mental confusion, panic attacks, paranoia, or dissociation.

Though it is possible to have Acute Stress Disorder after a single traumatic event, such occurrences are rare. Usually, this disorder happens when the trauma has been repeated several times in the past (e.g. abuse, living in a war torn area) or is still ongoing.

Uncomplicated PTSD: This is the simplest form of PTSD to treat as it usually results from just one major traumatic situation.As mentioned earlier, symptoms include avoidance, hyperarousal, intrusive memories, and negative thoughts and emotions.

Comorbid PTSD: This type of PTSD is more problematic as it occurs together with another mental health disorder such as anger issues, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Recovery from this requires simultaneous treatment for both PTSD and the other mental illness.

Complex PTSD: This is the more extreme form of PTSD, also known as Extreme Stress Disorder. Sufferers of this have experienced multiple types of trauma in their life for a prolonged period of time, making the symptoms more ingrained in the individual, particularly when said trauma occurred in childhood. Aside from the common symptoms of PTSD, the person may have developed dissociative or antisocial personality disorders. While recovery is very possible, the treatment normally takes much more time.

Despite the severe nature of PTSD, in all its forms, there are many effective treatments available. But since each individual situation is unique, the recovery time table and the treatments used vary from person to person.

Cognitive therapy: This is a kind of talk therapy where the sufferer is made to recognize the negative thought patterns that are causing or contributing to PTSD. Once identified, the sufferer is taught how to deal with them so that they no longer affect them adversely. For example, irrational ideas about themselves or others are gradually addressed, building up their confidence and trust in other people.

Exposure therapy: In exposure therapy, which is usually done together with cognitive therapy, the sufferer is made to face their fears connected to the trauma so that the cycle of dread and avoidance can be broken. This may involve viewing, listening, visiting, or even handling whatever reminds them of the event. It is particularly helpful in dealing with the sufferer’s flashbacks and nightmares.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This form of therapy aims to reprogram the sufferer’s brain and how it keeps the traumatic memories. The purpose is to eliminate symptoms connected to the trauma and replace them with something positive.

Medications: Aside from psychotherapy, therapists often use different types of medication to help the sufferer. These may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines, and even those which may help for nightmares. As in any illness, sufferers of PTSD should only use such medication with advice from their therapist and/or doctor.

Though many secular therapists offer treatment for PTSD, a more complete method for overcoming PTSD is through Christian Counseling. Similar to what other therapists do, the faith-based counselors at Spokane Christian Counseling are able to apply the latest therapeutic methods to overcome PTSD, mentally and emotionally.

But unlike secular therapists, the Christian counseling for PTSD also incorporates prayer and meditation on God’s word so that the sufferer may experience spiritual healing. When the spirit is strengthened, the sufferer can move forward positively with hope in spite of their past circumstances.

RECOVER FROM PTSD. SEEK HELP NOW

Traumatic circumstances can really be overwhelming, however, PTSD does not have to destroy your life. If you are in or nearby Spokane, the Christian counselors at Spokane Christian Counseling are here to help. Schedule your risk-free initial session to learn more about how we can assist you. Alternatively, you may give us a call at (509) 209-8961 to inquire.