PTSD should we be concerned?

There is a lot of things that go into the building up and tearing down of people. Deliberation is the key in either spectrum and it all comes with a cost, good or bad. According to Mayo Clinic,” Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event“. These symptoms can vary differently from each person and over time.

Some of the signs and symptoms of PTSD may include:

Intrusive memories

· Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

· Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

· Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

· Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

Avoidance

· Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event

· Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

· Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world

· Hopelessness about the future

· Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

· Difficulty maintaining close relationships

· Feeling detached from family and friends

· Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

· Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

· Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

· Being easily startled or frightened

· Always being on guard for danger

· Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

· Trouble sleeping

· Trouble concentrating

· Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

· Overwhelming guilt or shame

For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

· Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play

· Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

Hurting people, hurt people is what I have heard. Trying to build someone up takes someone with courage and strength. It takes someone who gives and builds up and not take away from an individual or community. It means that you have a certain fortitude where others can draw strength from you, not fear you because of what you may do to them. Most parents love it when our children look up to us as having the answers, and we love to be the ones that direct our children the right way. We can’t afford to keep having a country that divides and conquers over greed and senseless power. Our children are watching, and they are going through the trauma of it also, whether we think they are or not. They see us giving relief or grief. Let’s heal our land and people. If you need someone to help support you through this emotional time of healing we can help. Make an appointment at www.hhctelehealth.com. We are also hosting a free online Q & A, on June 27th, 2020, at noon, see details here https://covidcarehhc.eventbrite.com

There are questionnaires that may help you decide if you are experiencing PTSD from an outside source. https://eliteevals.com/ptsd-self-questionnaire/ or other treatment options such as, https://beckettsprings.com/ptsd-treatment/