Worldwide health professionals consider Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a mental illness often resulting from exposure to a traumatic event such as death, major injuries or a life-threatening situation. PTSD can also be associated with experiencing continual emotional trauma, such as domestic violence.
When memories and thoughts of some events start to have a significant effect on the life of a person later on, after the event, she or he could be experiencing PTSD.
A traumatic event can be very frightening and overwhelming, causing distress. Most of the time, the terrifying situation is unexpected and the person may feel unable to control it. Criminal acts, natural catastrophes, accidents, war or conflicts, sexual assaults or other life-threatening situations can cause PTSD. In some cases, people react in the same way when it is someone else, especially a loved one, who suffers the trauma.
PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. Often symptoms appear one to three months after the traumatic event. It happens sometimes that signs of stress emerge many years later. These symptoms can include nightmares, persistent memories and severe anxiety. People tend to avoid objects and places that might remind them of the frightening experience.
| Example of common signs indicating PTSD |
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Symptoms resulting from PTSD in general do not resolve on their own as such assistance is necessary to help in the recovery.
PTSD is very distressing. It may lead to serious ongoing problems and difficulties functioning as part of a normal life. Individual who suffer from PTSD can experience disruptions in work performance and attendance, social and family relationships, performing daily tasks and engaging in appropriate self-care activities.
If you have been affected by a traumatic event, having difficulties coping or are experienced any unhelpful symptoms as a result, you can contact me at Plaisance Counselling in Bondi Junction to arrange an appointment.
No referral is needed to make an appointment.