PTSD....When the nightmares won't go away.

Bill has many years of dealing with clients that suffer from PTSD. At one time it was thought that only military, or first responders where exposed to developing PTSD, but now we know and understand more. Anyone can be diagnosed with PTSD.

Living through or seeing something that's upsetting and dangerous can cause PTSD. This can include, but is not limited to the following:  

-Being a victim of violence, or seeing violence

-War or combat

-Being a first responder such as a paramedic, police officer or firefighter

-Car accidents and plane crashes

-Hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires

-Violent crimes, like a robbery or shooting.

-The death or serious illness of a loved one

Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD.

I know for myself, being diagnosed with PTSD can sometimes be embarrassing. You hear the information about how first responders can suffer from PTSD and I think to myself, i'm not like them, they do such dangerous work, they fight so bravely, how can I have what they can have???

Mine was from a vehicle accident back in 1994. Thought i had died, it was all black and I was trapped, pinned under luggage and 4 people sitting on top of me, had to have the roof cut off to get me out, now I can't even watch a show where someone is trapped. I once had a psychiatrist in Alberta tell me, "You don't have PTSD, you were only in an accident". Sound familiar? Well here at Abegweit Associates, we know so much more now and we understand anyone can have this debilitating problem from any event, what is traumatic for me may not be for you, it's how the brain determines what is trauma.

Here are some symptoms and signs to help you understand, or understand a loved one going through this....

1.Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms): Bad memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. You may have nightmares. You even may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger: a sound or sight that causes you to relive the event.

Triggers might include:

-Hearing a car backfire, which can bring back memories of gunfire and war for a combat veteran

-Seeing a car accident, which can remind a crash survivor of his or her own accident

-Seeing a news report of a sexual assault, which may bring back memories of assault for a woman who was raped

2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event: You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event. Examples:

-A person who was in an earthquake may avoid watching television shows or movies in which there are

earthquakes

-A person who was robbed at gunpoint while ordering at a hamburger drive-in may avoid fast-food restaurants

-Some people may keep very busy or avoid seeking help. This keeps them from having to think or talk about the event.

3. Feeling numb: You may find it hard to express your feelings. This is another way to avoid memories. Examples:

-You may not have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships

-You may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy

-You may forget about parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them.

4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal): You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. This is known as hyperarousal. It can cause you to:

-Suddenly become angry or irritable

-Have a hard time sleeping

-Have trouble concentrating

-Fear for your safety and always feel on guard

-Be very startled when someone surprises you

(Information from the National Center for PTSD

http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/ptsd/fs_what_is_ptsd0ddb.asp)

Please, if you or a loved one are showing these signs, there is no need to struggle alone, Bill Campbell can help, and he has helped.

We are here for you and your loved ones, just make the call today.....

(902)368-2767[Charlottetown]..........(902)436-3545[Summerside]