Monday, February 27, 2012

PTSD


I've gone to a therapist and he is amazing! He has really helped me understand why I have what i called a crazy forgetful brian its called....."Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

It is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event. YA I would say so!!!
Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety YEP, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while. But with time and taking care of yourself, such traumatic reactions usually get better. In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. Sometimes they may completely shake up your life. In a case such as this, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
  • Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time...ALLDAY EVERYDAY
  • Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event...NOT TO MUCH
Symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing may include:
  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event..SOMETIMES
  • Feeling emotionally numb..YES
  • Avoiding activities you once enjoyed..SOMETIMES
  • Hopelessness about the future...YES
  • Memory problems...YES
  • Trouble concentrating...YES
  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships..SOME
Symptoms of anxiety and increased emotional arousal may include:
  • Irritability or anger..YES
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame..YES
  • Self-destructive behavior...LITTLE
  • Trouble sleeping...YES
  • Being easily startled or frightened...YES
  • Hearing or seeing things that aren't there...NO

When he told me this it all makes sense! I was like no duh! hahaha so he's helping me through this and giving me ways of how to deal with this! 

I'm sharing this so if anyone else has gone through a terrifying event this might be whats going on in your brain! 

Heres to a healthy healing process!!!!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're seeing a therapist.
From Another Jane.

Gina Myers said...

I'm so happy you like your therapist! You always have your family, Danny (and obviously me) to talk to, but sometimes its really so great to hash it out with someone out of the situation. Keep blogging too, it is so good for you to write down you feelings, (and I love reading your blog! :))

Renel said...

Yikes...I have some of this...Who wouldn't after going through what we have...

Anonymous said...

Thanks for having the guts to be so honest, this post helped me! -Emily