Wondering whether you might have PTSD?
If you have ever wondered about whether you might have Post-traumatic Stress symptoms, this is a good place to start. Often, we can be so used to living with certain patterns of thoughts, feelings, core beliefs and ways of behaving and coping, that it can be hard to imagine any other way.
However, if you have a history that includes trauma, loss, attachment challenges, and in particular, childhood abuse, domestic violence or neglect and other adverse childhood experiences (ACES), there is a greater likelihood of depression, anxiety, relationship issues and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adulthood.
Trauma can affect all aspects of our lives, from our emotions, thoughts, beliefs about ourselves and the world around us, to our attachment and connection to ourselves and others.
Signs of PTSD to look for might include:
intense physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions when someone or something triggers the trauma memory
intrusive and recurring thoughts, sensations, images, flashbacks or memories from the traumatic event(s)
feelings of numbness or dissociation
problems falling and/or staying asleep
traumatic dreams
recurring nightmares
feelings of powerlessness, loss of control, guilt or shame
strong emotions that can be hard to understand or change (eg. anger, guilt, shame, self-blame)
generalized fear and anxiety
challenges with concentration and attention
Even if you have worked extremely hard to put the past behind you, a similar event, a trigger or even general stress may cause a recurrence in symptoms. You may notice the development of patterns to cope with symptoms, or an attempt to avoid people, places, events, conversations, or anything that might bring up reminders of the trauma.
If you are wondering if the effects of past traumatic events may be a part, or even at the heart of challenges and patterns arising today, here’s what you can do to take your next steps in healing:
- talk to a medical doctor or psychologist
- ask for a psychiatrist referral
- seek supportive counselling that is trauma-informed
Support and intervention can make a difference, and help you move towards your goals, and away from the challenges of the past.