Online PTSD Therapy

According to the Mayo Clinic, most individuals who undergo a traumatic event will initially have a difficult time coping with their experience and adjusting to life afterwards, but will see their mental state improve if they take the time to take care of themselves and allow an appropriate amount of time to pass. However, if someone who has experienced something traumatic notices that their condition is worsening, perhaps to the point that it interferes with their day to day life, they may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by the aftermath of an individual experiencing or witnessing a deeply traumatizing event. 

For some individuals suffering from PTSD, they may see symptoms within a month of the event that traumatized them. While for other individuals, they may not present with PTSD symptoms until years afterwards. 

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Broad Symptoms of PTSD

1. Changes in physical and emotional reactions
2. Intrusive memories
3. Negative changes in thinking and mood
4. Avoidance

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Within these broad categories of trauma reactions, there are several potential symptoms linked with each. Possible signs of changes in physical and emotional reactions could include the following:

• Constantly being on guard
• Being easily frightened or startled
• Experiencing overwhelming shame or guilt
• Difficulty sleeping
• Self-destructive behavior, such as the overconsumption of alcohol
• Difficulty concentrating
• Aggressive behaviors
• Irritability
• Symptoms of intrusive memories could involve:
• Experiencing flashbacks in which the traumatic event is re-experienced
• Disturbing nightmares or dreams about the traumatic event
• Undergoing severe physical reactions or emotional distress in response to something that is reminiscent of the traumatic event
• Experiencing recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event that lead to feelings of distress
• Possible symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood might include:
• Having a hard time experiencing positive emotions
• Emotional numbness
• Experiencing negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world at large
• Difficulty keeping close relationships with others
• Experiencing memory issues, including forgetting essential aspects of the traumatic event
• A lack of interest in activities one once enjoyed
• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Feeling detached from loved ones
• Symptoms possibly associated with avoidance might involve:
• An individual avoiding people, places, and activities that remind them of the traumatic event
• Attempting to avoid discussing or even thinking about the traumatic event

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Getting PTSD Treatment 

It is important to remember that if someone is suffering from PTSD, it is critical that they seek treatment in order to reduce their symptoms and improve their day to day life and ability to function. While it may be intimidating to know that long-term trauma can sometimes present with debilitating symptoms, there are ways to effectively address PTSD through trauma therapy.

One such way to seek help for PTSD symptoms is through enrolling in online group therapy for PTSD. At Grouport we are happy to offer online group therapy for PTSD and other conditions. You can find a full list of the conditions we treat HERE.

If you’re pursuing therapy for trauma, it’s important to know that over time, the intensity of PTSD related symptoms may ebb and flow. For example, you could see a heightening of your symptoms in the wake of any reminders of the traumatic experience, or you may see an uptick when you are simply more stressed out than usual. 

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When To Seek Clinical Help: 

The Mayo Clinic suggests that individuals contact their physicians if they:

• Experience disturbing feelings and thoughts for more than a month after the traumatic event
• Experience severe, disturbing feelings and thoughts surrounding a traumatic event
• Are having a difficult time regaining control of their lives in the wake of a distressing event 

If any of these symptoms, reactions, or experiences sound familiar to you, you could benefit from trauma therapy. 

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