Next I will try and explore PTSD/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in terms that will be accessible.
- happens after a traumatic life event – but not every event or to every person experiencing the same event.
- relive the expereince
- flashbacks
- nightmares
- intrusive thoughts
- trigger events/smells/colours/sounds (these are just a few)
- physical symptoms of sweating, increased heart rate, jumpy,
- hyper-alert/ hyper-vigilant
- intense panic
- fear of emotional connections or relationships.
- aggressive and destructive behaviours – excessive use of alcohol or drugs
- avoidance – of memories, people, situations
- unable to recall details of the event
- emotional and/or physical numbness
- blaming or self doubt, lack of trust in self or others.
Again this is not a list that is all encompassing, and not everyone with professionally diagnosed PTSD will have all these symptoms. Its a rough introductory guide.
Here are two links that contain lots of information on PTSD for you to further explore.
https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
If you would like to discuss anything Wright Minds can offer counselling therapy to those in and around the Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme area.