Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who witness or experience a traumatic event, like a serious accident, natural disaster, or war/combat. Those with PTSD typically experience disturbing feelings and thoughts related to the traumatic event, even long after the traumatic event concludes. The symptoms of PTSD can also be divided into four different categories:
- Alteration in reactivity—Those with PTSD may suddenly become irritable and have outbursts of anger. They may also act self-destructively, behave recklessly, or become irrationally watchful of their surroundings.
- Avoidance—Those with PTSD may avoid any reminders of the traumatic event, including activities, objects, people, and places that could trigger any distressing memories. PTSD sufferers may also avoid thinking or remembering the event and resist talking about it with others.
- Intrusion—People with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, such as distressing dreams, involuntary memories, or ongoing flashbacks of the distressing event. These experiences may be so vivid that they feel like they are seeing the traumatic event again right before their eyes.
- Alterations in mood—Those with this mental illness may experience negative feelings and thoughts that lead to distorted beliefs about themselves or other people.
If you have PTSD, you know how disruptive these symptoms can be to your daily life and wellbeing. If you are ready to talk to someone about your experiences, contact the office of Dr. James Campbell, LLC to set up an appointment.