June is PTSD Awareness Month. Miyoshi Tunstall, MA, LPA is a Lead Counselor in Adult Outpatient Services at SouthLight and shares how trauma can manifest and shares some treatment options.
Car Accident
Abuse
Adverse military experiences and combat
Racial discrimination
Living through a pandemic
Abandonment
How does trauma manifest?
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Sadness, depression, hyperactivity, irritability or anger
Having no feelings at all or feeling numb
A lack of energy; feeling exhausted
Lack of appetite or eating all the time
Trouble concentrating or feeling confused
Social isolation, reduced/ restricted activities
Thinking no one else is having the same reactions as you
Headaches, stomach aches/body pains
Uptick in partying, drinking, smoking
What do these events have in common?
They may all lead to symptoms associated with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Traumatic events can take place in many forms based on something that has happened to you or something you saw happen to someone else.
When experiencing PTSD, it may be challenging to feel safe. One may experience nightmares, avoidance, depression, anger, anxiety, and shame. Use of substances, eating disorders, and recollection of the event(s) may become prominent. Symptoms may occur at any age.
The good news is that treatment is available to help one feel better and take back control of your life at any stage of PTSD.
How does trauma manifest?
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Sadness, depression, hyperactivity, irritability or anger
Having no feelings at all or feeling numb
A lack of energy; feeling exhausted
Lack of appetite or eating all the time
Trouble concentrating or feeling confused
Social isolation, reduced/ restricted activities
Thinking no one else is having the same reactions as you
Headaches, stomach aches/body pains
Uptick in partying, drinking, smoking
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
After speaking to a mental health provider, treatment may include:
Trauma-Focused Therapy (therapy that focuses on the memory of the traumatic event or its meaning)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (processing upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings while focusing on specific sounds or movements to change how you react to memories of your trauma)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (Challenging negative thoughts and thinking about your trauma in a way that’s less upsetting)
Support Groups
Service animals (Pets for PTSD)
Mindfulness/relaxation
Art therapy
Aromatherapy
Healthy physical activities
Medication
At least half of Americans have experienced a traumatic event in their lives.
What we know about PTSD is that you’re not alone. We also know that it’s never too late to get help.
Learning about PTSD, reaching out for assessment and consultation, and accessing resources on PTSD symptoms play a key role in PTSD treatment and efficacy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, reach out to SouthLight to learn more at 919-787-6131.
