PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This might include physical or sexual assault, war, natural disasters, accidents, or any other event that posed a threat of injury or death.
Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in thoughts or mood, and significant changes in physical and emotional reactions. These symptoms can cause significant distress or functional impairment, and they persist for more than a month following the trauma.
Both the DSM-5 and the ICD-11 provide similar definitions of PTSD, highlighting the importance of the traumatic event, the intrusive symptoms, avoidance behavior, and negative mood and cognitive alterations in the diagnosis.
• If you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic event and are now having distressing memories or nightmares.
• When you find yourself avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the trauma.
• If your mood has worsened since the event, or you feel detached from others.
• When you notice changes in your physical and emotional reactions, such as being easily startled or having trouble sleeping.
• If these symptoms persist for more than a month and are causing distress or functional impairment.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you've been through a distressing event and are having a normal reaction to it. It's important to seek help as soon as possible.
As psychologists, we offer evidence-based treatments like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps you understand and change thought patterns that lead to maladaptive behaviors and emotions. We can also provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specific therapy for PTSD that can help your brain process traumatic memories.
If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team of psychologists is here to support you through your journey to recovery. Contact us today and take that important step towards healing.