Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder frequently have persistent thoughts and memories of the event, which can manifest physically in undesirable behaviour patterns such as alcohol or drug abuse, OCD, or eating disorders, or in repeated panic attacks or other physical symptoms or ailments, as well as depression.
PTSD is often associated with traumatised military personnel, but it is far more common than many people realise.
Violent attacks, muggings, rape, domestic abuse, terrorism, being held captive, physical and/or mental abuse, serious accidents, a major frightful experience or health scare, and natural disasters are all examples of traumatic events that can lead to PTSD.
Something that threatened (real or imagined) the person’s life or the life of someone very close to them, or something they had witnessed, such as death and destruction from a plane crash, bombing, or building devastation, could be the trigger event.
Some people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder have nightmares, dreams, and disturbing memories that they relive throughout the day. They may also have trouble sleeping, feel detached from reality, or be easily startled.
Other behaviours they may exhibit include an inability to show affection, difficulty maintaining interest in things they used to enjoy, and feelings of irritability, aggression, and even violence.
For them, memories of the trauma can be extremely distressing, leading them to avoid certain places or situations that trigger those memories.
The event’s anniversaries can also be difficult.
Women are more likely than men to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which affects approximately 6% of the population. It can happen at any age, including during childhood.
We use specific clinical therapeutic techniques at Mulberry Hypnotherapy to diffuse the connection between a specific event and the flight/fight response, as well as techniques for reducing general anxiety, so you can begin to rebuild your life in a positive way.