Your Guide to Navigating PTSD

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Primary author: Sabrina Hossain |Secondary author: Julie Sullivan, NP

PTSD, also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that develops when single or multiple events occur and later on trigger an individual. PTSD can arise in situations where someone either experiences or witnesses trauma. A traumatic event is when something deeply distressing or disturbing happens to an individual, and is left feeling hopeless and unable to feel a full range of emotions.

Sexism

Racism

Immigrating to a new country

Bullying

Emotional Neglect

Class discrimination

Many people may not consider any of the above-mentioned traumatic. However, the BIPOC community faces systemic and structural barriers leading to a decline in mental health. If the BIPOC individual has not experienced discrimination themselves, witnessing a loved one go through racial harassment or violence can also be traumatic. Immigrants may experience trauma when moving to countries where xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments are high. Another disadvantage experienced by immigrants is a lacking support systems. Many people may move to a foreign country without their origin families, leaving them vulnerable to developing trauma symptoms and disorders like PTSD.

Physical or sexual abuse in childhood

Being threatened with a weapon

Mugging

Robbery

Domestic Violence

Witnessing an attack or shooting

Reenacting traumatic event through play

Nightmares about the traumatic event

Nightmares

Flashbacks

Insomnia

Hypervigilance

Severe anxiety

Severe emotional distress

Physical reactions when triggered

Avoidance

Emotional numbness

Gaps in memory

Detachment from loved ones

Feelings of Hopelessness

Difficulty maintaining close relationships

Easily startled or frightened

Self-destructive behavior

Trouble concentrating

Overwhelming guilt and shame

Angry outbursts and aggressive behavior

Intense, long-lasting trauma

Having depression or anxiety

Trauma during childhood or adolescence

Certain jobs that increase risk to exposure

Substance abuse

Isolation or lack of healthy support system

Genetics

Increased risk when eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, or drug abuse are involved

An official diagnosis includes at least one re-experiencing symptom, at least three avoidance symptoms, at least two negative alterations in mood and cognition, and at least two hyperarousal symptoms for a minimum of one month. At Reklame Health, our NPs use a PTSD rating scale and evaluation to provide a proper diagnosis to patients.

Trauma-focused psychotherapy

Medication Management

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

At ReKlame Health, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment to get you the care you need. PTSD can disrupt your daily life, but with our help, you can overcome these challenges. Also, know that there is no rush to heal, recovery for PTSD takes time, and our Clinicians and NPs understand that. There is no shame in going at your own pace on your journey to heal.