TRAUMA
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What does PTSD mean?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health illness that’s triggered by a traumatic event.
PTSD occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a terrifying event such as rape, car accident, sexual violence, terrorist act, or war.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms are grouped into four types; intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions
Intrusive memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories include:
- Flashback about the traumatic event
- Distressing dreams or nightmares about the event
- Frightening thoughts
- Recurrent memories of the traumatic event
Avoidance
The following are the avoidance symptoms:
- Avoiding people, places, activities, objects, and situations that may trigger traumatic memories
- Avoiding thinking about the traumatic event
- Resist talking about what happened or how you feel about the event
Negative changes in thinking and mood
The symptoms include:
- Negative thoughts about the world and other people
- Loss of interest in things or activities you once enjoyed
- Unable to remember and explain the key features of the traumatic event
- A feeling of guilt, shame, fear, anger, horror, and self-blame
- Distorted thoughts about the cause of the traumatic event
- A void of happiness or satisfaction
Changes in physical and emotional reactions (Arousal symptoms)
The symptoms include:
- Being easily frightened
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Being irritable and having angry outbursts
- Being easily startled
- Having a reckless behaviour
- Being over watchful of your surrounding
Risk factors
Symptoms of PTSD are likely to occur if a person has the following risk factors:
Previous traumatic event.
People who have experienced rape, car accidents, or violence are more susceptible to PTSD.
History of abuse.
People with a history of sexual, physical and emotional abuse are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms.
Drug abuse.
People with a history of drug abuse tend to be more susceptible to PTSD.
Lack of social support.
People who lack support from their families and friends are more vulnerable to stress and therefore more at risk of developing PTSD symptoms.
PTSD counselling and therapy in Winnipeg
- PTSD therapy will help you focus on resolving strong feelings that accompany PTSD.
- Therapy at Oakville Wellness Center will help improve your symptoms, teach you the skills to deal with it and restore your self-esteem.
PTSD Therapists at Oakville Wellness Centre in Winnipeg
- Our therapists are qualified experts in PTSD. They will teach you new coping skills that will help you effectively deal with memories, feelings, reactions and reminders associated with trauma.
- Our therapist will help you develop stress management skills to help you better handle stressful situations and cope with stress in your life.
- Request an appointment at Oakville Wellness Centre
Additional Resources
The PTSD Association of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those who suffer from PTSD and their loved-ones. Their site includes valuable information including self-assessment materials.
Relaxing Nature Sounds is a free app that provides a selection of downloadable nature sounds. Playing these can aid in calming the thoughts in your head and help you sleep. The free PTSD Coach app was originally designed for veterans and military service members who have or may have PTSD. The app provides users with education, information opportunities for support and other tools.