Broken Wings : Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic experiences are widespread and people who have been traumatized frequently develop medical and psychological symptoms associated with the experience. Combat trauma is a well-known cause of PTSD. Child abuse, especially sexual abuse creates a strong likelihood of developing PTSD. However, the experience most likely to cause PTSD is rape.
Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, avoidance and anxiety.
* Flashbacks, or a feeling as though the trauma is happening again, can be experienced several ways. There can be pictures of the trauma running through the mind, or there may be recurrent nightmares, or even hallucinations about the trauma.
* Avoidance of anything that will remind the individual of the traumatic experience. The individual may avoid people, places or things or may numb out emotions. “Numbing out” of thoughts and feelings in response to trauma is a hallmark of PTSD, as well as use of alcohol and drugs to avoid the trauma related feelings and memories.
* Anxiety, the individual is jumpy, easily startled, irritable and may have sleep disturbances. He/she may be constantly on guard and/or have difficulty concentrating. In some instances the individual may have panic attacks with shortness of breath and chest pain.
Those with PTSD too often resist treatment. However, when the individual does seek treatment, the disruptive, distressing effects of PTSD are generally completely treatable. Treatment involves both managing symptoms and working through the traumatic event. One very important part of the recovery is psychotherapy.
To contact a counselor at New Mexico Highlands University, call 454-3478. |
