PTSD Therapy in NYC

According to the Mayo Clinic, post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition brought about by an individual witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. Most individuals who experience a traumatic event will have a hard time coping with what they experienced as well as adjusting to life thereafter, but will generally get better with time and an adequate amount of self care. If, however, one experiences the worsening of trauma symptoms, or the extension of these symptoms over periods of months or years, and see an interference with their daily functioning, they may be suffering from PTSD. Undergoing the right treatment after the development of PTSD symptoms may be critical in improving daily function and reducing symptoms.

While PTSD symptoms may appear within a month of the traumatic event, some may not appear until years after the event occurred. In general, PTSD symptoms are grouped into four types: avoidance, intrusive memories, changes in physical and emotional reactions, and negative changes in thinking and mood.

Symptoms 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

Symptoms of intrusive memories might be:

• Disturbing nightmares or dreams about the traumatic event
• Experiencing recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event that lead to feelings of distress
• Experiencing flashbacks in which the traumatic event is re-experienced
• Undergoing severe physical reactions or emotional distress in response to something that is reminiscent of the traumatic event

Signs of changes in physical and emotional reactions could include:

• Constantly being on guard
• Irritability
• Aggressive behaviors
• Difficulty sleeping
• Self-destructive behavior, such as the overconsumption of alcohol
• Difficulty concentrating
• Experiencing overwhelming shame or guilt
• Being easily frightened or startled

Signs of negative changes in thinking and mood might include:

• A lack of interest in activities one once enjoyed
• Having a hard time experiencing positive emotions
• Experiencing negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world at large
• Difficulty keeping close relationships with others
• Emotional numbness
• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Feeling detached from loved ones
• Experiencing memory issues, including forgetting essential aspects of the traumatic event

Over time, the intensity of PTSD symptoms one experience can fluctuate. For example, you might experience heightened symptoms when they encounter reminders of their experience, or when they are feeling more stressed than usual.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that you seek out a doctor’s assistance if you:

• Experience severe disturbing feelings and thoughts surrounding a traumatic event
• If you experience these disturbing feelings and thoughts for more than a month after the event
• If you are having a difficult time regaining control of your life in the wake of a distressing event

While the various symptoms of PTSD can indeed prove to be debilitating, it is important to remember that PTSD symptoms can be effectively treated through various forms of therapy and medication. Here in New York City, there are various resources at your disposal, such as the NYU Langone clinic. Additionally, we at Grouport offer group therapy for individuals suffering from various types of mental illnesses, including PTSD. You can find a list of FAQs here.

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