How do I know if I have PTSD? What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
In today’s fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or anxious. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is more than just stress? How do you know if you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? As a therapist, I often encounter people who are unsure about what they’re feeling and whether it could be PTSD. In this blog post, I’ll help you understand the signs and symptoms of PTSD so you can better recognize it in yourself or a loved one.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event. This could be anything from a serious accident, car wreck, natural disaster, combat, assault, or any other event that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror. It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. However, for those who do, the symptoms can be quite debilitating and interfere with daily life.
The Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Let’s dive into each of these categories to understand them better.
1. Intrusive Memories
Intrusive memories are perhaps the most well-known symptom of PTSD. These can include:
- Flashbacks: These are vivid, intense, and often distressing memories of the traumatic event. It can feel as though you are reliving the event all over again.
- Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the trauma can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted.
- Distressing Thoughts: You might find yourself constantly thinking about the trauma, unable to get it out of your mind.
For example, someone who has been in a car accident might frequently have flashbacks to the crash or have nightmares about it. These intrusive memories can make it hard to focus on anything else and can cause significant distress.
2. Avoidance
Avoidance symptoms involve steering clear of reminders of the trauma. This can manifest in several ways:
- Avoiding Places or People: You might avoid places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event. For instance, if you were assaulted in a particular area, you might avoid going there.
- Avoiding Thoughts or Feelings: You might try to avoid thinking about the trauma or talking about what happened. This could mean distracting yourself with work, hobbies, or other activities to keep your mind off the trauma.
Avoidance can be a coping mechanism to prevent distress, but it can also limit your ability to live a full life. For example, avoiding social situations because they remind you of the trauma can lead to isolation and loneliness. The trauma is controlling you instead of you feeling in control.
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
Trauma can significantly alter the way you think and feel. Symptoms in this category can include:
- Negative Thoughts About Yourself or Others: You might have persistent negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world. For example, believing that you are at fault for the trauma or that you can’t trust anyone.
- Hopelessness About the Future: Feeling that the future is bleak or that you’ll never feel better again.
- Memory Problems: You might have trouble remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
- Loss of Interest: You may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed and feel detached from friends and family.
- Emotional Numbness: Finding it hard to feel positive emotions like happiness or love.
These symptoms can contribute to a feeling of being stuck or unable to move past the trauma, making everyday life feel challenging and overwhelming.
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
Also known as arousal symptoms, these can include:
- Being Easily Startled: You might be easily startled or frightened.
- Hypervigilance: Always being on guard for potential danger, which can be exhausting.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Insomnia or restless sleep is common.
- Irritability or Anger: You might feel more irritable or have angry outbursts.
- Self-Destructive Behavior: Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse.
For instance, someone who experienced a home invasion might constantly check and recheck locks on doors and windows or have trouble sleeping because they’re always on alert for intruders.
How Do I Know If I Have PTSD?
Recognizing PTSD in yourself can be difficult because the symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. However, if you’ve experienced a traumatic event and notice the symptoms discussed above persisting for more than a month, it’s important to consider seeking professional help. Here are some steps to take if you think you might have PTSD:
1. Reflect on Your Symptoms
Take some time to think about your symptoms. Are you experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts? Do you find yourself avoiding reminders of the trauma? Are you feeling more negative about yourself or others? Are you constantly on edge? Writing down your symptoms can help you see patterns and understand what you’re experiencing.
2. Talk to Someone You Trust
Discussing your feelings with a trusted friend or family member can be a good first step. They can offer support and may have noticed changes in your behavior that you haven’t.
3. Seek Professional Help
A Texas anxiety therapist can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This could include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a form called Trauma-Focused CBT, is often effective in treating PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another therapy that has shown good results.
4. Consider Support Groups
Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can provide a sense of community and understanding. Support groups can offer a safe space to share your experiences and learn coping strategies.
If you are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or other kinds of stress and would like to talk to a PTSD therapist, contact our Houston counseling clinic online to schedule an appointment or call 713-565-0922 to ask questions about how we can help. PTSD treatment in Texas can help you if you are feeling stuck in past trauma, are suffering from anxiety or panic, and want to start feeling better right away. You don’t have to go through this alone!
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to Anxiety Treatment, Family Therapy, and Parenting Counseling, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals we offer Eating Disorder Counseling, School and College Counseling, Autism Therapy, Perinatal and Postpartum Treatment, and Infertility Counseling. As well as Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling, Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy, and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Career Counseling and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
If you’re ready to get started, please contact Wilson Counseling today. Reach out for compassionate support today.