Post-traumatic stress disorder (which is known also as PTSD) refers to a mental health condition that's set off by a terrifying event, whether witnessed or experienced directly. Trauma may cause problems; however, improvement is possible given time and proper self-care. According to Megan Young, a psychotherapist at Untying Knots Counseling, who offers in-person and online sessions in Forney, Dallas, and Kaufman, TX, if symptoms of trauma persist, get worse, or disrupt your life, these may be symptomatic of post-traumatic stress disorder and would likely benefit from one or more methods of therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Medical specialists are not sure why people respond differently to similar situations. However, as is often the case with mental health issues, PTSD is likely caused by a complex combination of factors, such as the scope and intensity of the trauma experienced. Examples include -
- Childhood abuse.
- Sexual or physical assault.
- Exposure to combat.
- Involvement in an accident.
- When confronted with a weapon and more.
Additional PTSD risk factors are –
- Genetic predisposition - including a familial background of anxiety and depression.
- How one’s brain manages the release of chemicals and hormones in response to stress.
- Previous exposures to trauma.
PTSD Symptoms
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder may develop soon after the incident, but in some cases, they may not manifest until years later. These symptoms can impact the social, professional, and interpersonal parts of one’s life and daily routine.
PTSD symptoms may appear when facing a stressful situation or when triggered by a reminder of the traumatic events endured. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder vary and change over time, but often include–
- Frequent, unwelcome, and distressing memories of the traumatic incident.
- Avoidance of places, activities, or people with potential triggers to the emotions associated with the traumatic event.
- Negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world overall.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Therapeutic treatments for PTSD offered by Untying Knots Counseling include these therapy options –
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in which clients learn to recognize and change when trauma is biasing their thinking and resultant behavior.
- EMDR – a.k.a. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.
- Expressive arts, including sand tray and play therapy.
Contact a Local Texas Mental Health Practice for PTSD Treatment and Relief
If you have been experiencing distressing emotions or thoughts linked to trauma, it is important to seek help. Doing so can help prevent normal stress responses from developing into PTSD or reduce the impact PTSD has on your life. For more information, contact Megan Young, MSW, LCSW-S, of Untying Knots Counseling online.