Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply distressing or traumatic event. Common events that can lead to PTSD include accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or violence. People with PTSD may relive the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, feel on edge or easily startled, and avoid places or situations that remind them of the event. These reactions can be intense and interfere with daily life, even long after the event has passed.
PTSD affects everyone differently, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop it. Symptoms often begin within three months of the event but can also appear years later. Early intervention and support are important in helping people cope and heal from traumatic experiences.
Unwelcome memories about the trauma can come up at any time. They can feel very real and scary, as if the event is happening again. This is called a flashback. You may also have nightmares. Memories of the trauma can happen because of a trigger — something that reminds you of the event. For example, seeing a news report about a disaster may trigger someone who lived through a hurricane. Or hearing a car backfire e might bring back memories of gunfire for a combat Veteran.
You may try to avoid certain people or situations that remind you of the event. For example, someone who was assaulted on the bus might avoid taking public transportation. Or a combat Veteran may avoid crowded places like shopping malls because it feels dangerous to be around so many people. You may also try to stay busy all the time, so you don’t have to talk or think about the event.
It’s common to feel jittery or “keyed up” — like it’s hard to relax. This is called hyperarousal. You might have trouble sleeping or concentrating or feel like you’re always on the lookout for danger. You may suddenly get angry and irritable — and if someone surprises you, you might startle easily. You may also act in unhealthy ways, like smoking, abusing drugs and alcohol, or driving aggressively.
You may feel more negative than you did before the trauma. You might be sad or numb — and lose interest in things you used to enjoy, like spending time with friends. You may feel that the world is dangerous, and you can’t trust anyone. It may be hard for you to feel or express happiness, or other positive emotions. You might also feel guilt or shame about the traumatic event itself. For example, you may wish you had done more to keep it from happening.
Remember that these symptoms may not be exactly the same for everyone, as each individual processes trauma differently. Some may experience intense flashbacks and anxiety, while others might struggle more with avoidance or feel emotionally numb. Factors like personal history, the nature of the trauma, and available support all influence how symptoms show up, making each experience of PTSD unique.
When seeking help from a mental health therapist for PTSD, clients can expect an initial assessment where the therapist gathers information about their symptoms and history to tailor the treatment plan. The therapist will work collaboratively with clients to set specific goals, such as reducing the intensity of symptoms, improving daily functioning, and developing effective coping strategies. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are commonly used to help clients process and reframe traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment.
The goal of taking sessions for PTSD is to provide clients with the tools and support they need to manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Regular sessions, combined with practice exercises between appointments, help reinforce new skills and coping mechanisms. Throughout the therapy process, progress is monitored, and adjustments are made to ensure the treatment remains effective and aligned with the client’s needs.
Dr. Priscilla is a highly skilled and compassionate nurse practitioner with 17 years of experience in the field of mental health.
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