Statistics report that in the United States, 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Of those that have experienced trauma, 20% will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). About 8 million people experience PTSD in a given year and one in thirteen people will develop PTSD at some point in their life. PTSD was mainly diagnosed in veterans and was a bit controversial when it was first added to the official list of medical disorders. However, PTSD can be experienced by anyone and isn’t exclusive to just veterans that have been in war. Being diagnosed with PTSD can feel intimidating and scary, but it doesn’t have to be that way.Â
Navigating PTSD
The cycle of PTSD can feel impossible to overcome. PTSD episodes can cause significant fear and panic, and the experience can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming for the sufferer. Anxiety and/or depression may be triggered as a result.Â
Know the Symptoms
There are three different categories of PTSD symptoms that can occur. The first is hyperarousal, which is the primary symptom. Hyperarousal happens when a person’s body is suddenly in high alert as a result of thinking about their trauma. Even though there is no real presence of danger, the physical body still reacts as if there is an imminent threat. Another symptom is reliving the trauma. During these “flashbacks,” you replay the traumatic event. This can occur after talking about your trauma or if something triggers a memory of the event. The final symptom is falling into a pattern of avoidance. This can be similar to the dissociation of the body. Thoughts and emotions associated with the event are compartmentalized as a way of detaching from the experience. Unfortunately, dissociation can bleed into other aspects of life and negatively affect relationships.
If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD, seeking the appropriate help is crucial to experience long-term recovery. There are plenty of alternative therapy treatments like EMDR, Somatic therapies, or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that can help tremendously. At Avalon Malibu, we offer various therapeutic modalities to offer support as you navigate recovery from PTSD. It is important to acknowledge that this can take a while, and recovery should not be rushed. Progress can be made and you don’t have to do it alone. Call us today to learn more at (844) 857-5992.
