Post-traumatic stress disorder refers to a type of mental health disorder that's triggered by a traumatic event — either through an experience of a trauma or by simply witnessing the event. Trauma may create temporary issues that can, with time and proper self-care, dissipate or become less disruptive. According to the mental health specialists at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, providing in-person and online sessions in Reading/Wyomissing, Allentown, and Orwigsburg, PA, if symptoms of PTSD (noted below) worsen, persist, or disrupt your daily life, you may be exhibiting symptoms of PTSD and benefit from a therapeutic intervention.
Medical specialists aren't sure why some individuals develop PTSD while others don’t; however, as with most mental health issues, its development is likely caused by a complex mixture of stressful incidents, such as the extent and intensity of the trauma you've encountered throughout your life.
Examples include -
- Exposure to combat.
- Childhood abuse.
- Sexual or physical assault.
- Involvement in an accident.
- Confrontation with a weapon, and more.
Additional risk factors include –
- Genetic predisposition to mental health risks, such as a familial background of anxiety and depression.
- Your temperament or innate aspects of your personality.
- The manner in which your brain manages the release of chemicals and hormones in response to stress.
PTSD Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can potentially manifest within a month of a traumatic incident, but there are times when symptoms may not appear until years later. These symptoms are related to social, professional, and interpersonal domains and interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily routine.
PTSD symptoms may appear when you're stressed in general or if you are triggered by a stark reminder of the events you endured. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are typically categorized into four types, which can vary over time or vary from person to person –
- Frequent, unwelcome, stressful memories of the traumatic event.
- Avoiding (or even avoiding thinking about) places, activities, or people that trigger the emotions created by the traumatic event.
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other individuals, or the world in general.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Contact a Leading Pennsylvania Mental Health Group Practice for PTSD Relief
If you have disturbing emotions or thoughts associated with a specific trauma for an extended period, or if you're struggling to regain stability in your life, reaching out for help can be crucial. Doing so may prevent normal stress responses from developing into PTSD. For more information, contact the mental health professionals at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates at 844-MYMIND1 (Allentown & Orwigsburg), 844-696-4631 (Reading/Wyomissing), or online.