Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD: is a disorder that can develop in some people after they experience a traumatic event. According to The National Center for PTSD, approximately 7-8% of people will be diagnosed with PTSD: in their lifetime, which is much smaller than the number of people who experience trauma. No one knows exactly what causes some people to develop PTSD while others do not. Some factors that may influence the development of PTSD include:

A feeling of horror, helplessness, and extreme fear after a traumatic event.
Having little social support after the event.
Dealing with additional stress after the event.
Having a pre-existing mental health condition or substance use disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

When do the symptoms appear?

Typically, symptoms appear within three months after the traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear for months or even years. There are four categories of symptoms (explained in more detail below) that are common among those who are diagnosed with PTSD:survival, avoidance, hyperarousal, and changes in mood and thoughts.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but for a formal PTSD diagnosis to be made, all four must persist for more than one month.

PTSD Association with Combat Warfare

Often, when thinking about trauma or PTSD, thoughts turn to military combat. Over 39% of military personnel involved in combat operations in Iraq and over 31% of those deployed in Afghanistan reported symptoms of PTSD.

For more information about the services and support we offer to veterans, contact us at +389 78 265 578 or email us at: pzupsihea@gmail.com

Personnel working on military bases in conflict-ridden areas are at significant risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often exhibiting symptoms such as reliving traumatic events, avoidance behaviors, heightened arousal, and negative alterations in mood and cognition. Despite these manifestations, many individuals may not recognize these signs as indicative of PTSD, leading to underdiagnosis. This lack of awareness can result in untreated PTSD, which severely disrupts interpersonal relationships and occupational functioning, among other things. Timely and appropriate treatment is therefore critical in trying to improve quality of life and overall well-being.

PTSD: is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse or anxiety. Fortunately, even if trauma has lasting effects or PTSD has developed, there are ways in which people can manage the consequences of trauma to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. These methods include various forms of treatment such as trauma-focused psychotherapy, medication, and group support.

Our therapeutic process

Your first step is to contact us to schedule your initial appointment. We work hard to connect you with a therapist whom we believe is the best fit for you and your current struggles.

Your initial evaluation session provides you with the opportunity to build a rapport with the therapist and give them some background about yourself and the reasons you're seeking counseling. Additionally, they will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the services, confidentiality, and what to expect during therapy. Keeping your best interests in mind, together you will decide on the treatment that will benefit you the most.

At the end of your first session, if you decide to continue and work with that therapist, you will be asked to schedule additional appointments. During your second session, you will collaborate with your therapist to set goals for your overall therapy experience and begin working together to achieve them.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)