It is an unfortunate misconception that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a life sentence. Many people who have experienced PTSD report feeling broken or fear that they are “going crazy”. Moreover, they report feeling little hope of change or improvement in their wellbeing or quality of life.
The word ‘trauma’ literally translates to ‘wound’. However, this name may be misleading – as with PTSD – time does not heal all wounds. A more accurate analogy is an infection, because without proper treatment it can spread and fester causing untold distress and emotional pain to the individual, and those around them. Indeed, studies estimate that individuals with PTSD are three times more likely to suffer depression, four times more likely to abuse alcohol or use intravenous drugs, and are fifteen times more likely to commit suicide. These statistics are shocking when we consider how effectively PTSD, like an infection, can be treated.
The good news is the vast majority of individuals report feeling significant decreases in symptoms of trauma and an increased sense of wellbeing, enjoyment, and engagement in life with treatment from a Clinical Psychologist in Melbourne.
While it is important to remember that no two people will have the same experience of PTSD, symptoms generally include:
- Involuntary recollection of the traumatic event (e.g. intrusive thoughts, nightmares, re-experiencing physical or emotional aspects of the event).
- Avoidance of reminders of the event.
- Depressive symptoms
- - Negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future.
- - Low mood.
- - Lack of enjoyment from usual activities.
- - Social withdrawal.
- Feeling ‘on edge’ or jumpy.
- Risky or destructive behaviour (e.g. substance abuse, anger, risky sexual behaviour)
- Poor or interrupted sleep.
PTSD can result from exposure to a range of events. In fact, a common misconception is that individuals need to be directly exposed to a life-threatening event, such as a combat situation or a physical or sexual assault in order to experience PTSD. However, we now know it can occur in response to non-life threatening events as well. Indeed, it is not the event itself that causes PTSD, but the impact on the individual – whereby the event challenges deeply held ‘core beliefs’, which profoundly change the individual’s world view. As such, hearing about an important traumatic event such as the death of a loved one or bullying (among many other potential events) can lead to PTSD. Read More…
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