Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. During this kind of event, you may not have any control over what's happening, and you may feel very afraid. Anyone who has gone through something like this can develop PTSD.

PTSD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

spontaneous or cued recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic events
recurrent distressing dreams
flashbacks or other dissociative reactions in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic events are recurring
intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic events
physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic events
inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic events
persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” "The world is completely dangerous").
persistent, distorted blame of self or others about the cause or consequences of the traumatic events
persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
diminished interest or participation in significant activities
feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
persistent inability to experience positive emotions
irritable or aggressive behavior
reckless or self-destructive behavior
hypervigilance
exaggerated startle response
problems with concentration

If it's been longer than a few months and thoughts and feelings from the trauma are upsetting you or causing problems in your life, you may have PTSD.

PCL-5 is commonly used to screen for depression. Click on the link to take the assessment. Click on the link to take the assessment.

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/documents/PCL5_Standard_form.PDF

If your score is 31 or higher give me a call and let’s talk about it!