PTSD Awareness Month is a nation-wide movement created to encourage an ongoing dialog and education around PTSD and PTSD Awareness. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) found that 7.7 million adults in the US live with PTSD, and that is just what’s been diagnosed.
PTSD can develop from being exposed to traumatic events or occurrences such as war, physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, accidents and other traumatic events. After such an event, symptoms of PTSD may occur, if an individual has not been able to process what happened to them or what they were witness to. Symptoms of PTSD include, but are not limited to:
- Disturbing and intrusive thoughts or flashback memories
- Avoidance of the memory, event or people and places that remind of the event
- Nightmares and sleeplessness
- Shifts in mood with signs of elevated irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hyperviligance or defensiveness
- Guilt, shame and anger
- Substance use to cope with PTSD symptoms
With supports in place, individuals living with PTSD can treat symptoms and live fulfilling and full lives. Numerous practices have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD including yoga and meditation, community support groups, journaling and professional help.
If you or someone you love are feeling these symptoms, please make self-care a priority and remember that you are not alone. If you need therapy and counseling resources in the Lakewood, Colorado, or would like to schedule a session to honor your needs and hold space for your healing, please reach out to delia@lookingforwardcounseling.com. I would love the opportunity to speak with you.