PTSD Trauma and Mental Health: Common Forms of Mental Distress - Part 5

Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

Today, more and more people are finding the courage and strength to heal and grow from the difficult experiences of their lives. It is safe to say that every single one of us has experienced at least one trauma over the course of our lifetime.

The most common kinds of traumatic events include childhood abuse, combat exposure, sexual violence, physical assault, or an accident, however many other traumatic events can lead to symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Even if you believe that trauma has never knocked at your door, the fact that you have lived through a pandemic proves otherwise. Most people who experience a traumatic event, may have a tough time adjusting or coping at first, but often with time and proper self-care, they typically get better. However, for some, a terrifying event, whether experienced or witnessed, can lead to PTSD. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, or uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Symptoms of PTSD can last from months to years, often resulting in difficulty maintaining daily activities. It is even possible for symptoms to not appear until years after the traumatizing event has taken place. It is important to get treatment for PTSD symptoms as soon as possible to keep symptoms from getting worse. While we certainly will aim to decrease the symptoms caused by a traumatic event, our goal from a holistic approach will always be to heal the root cause. It takes work, patience and love to heal the pain and suffering caused by a traumatic event. We will do all we can to support lifestyle, body, mind and spirituality as it pertains to the healing of trauma.

By Justin, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC​

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