What To Do If You Think You Have PTSD

When you’ve been through a traumatic and frightening event, it’s normal to feel shocked and anxious for a couple of weeks afterwards. You may even have trouble sleeping and be more irritable than usual. But if time passes and several months later, you still can’t shake the depression, anxiety and insomnia, are having flashbacks to the event, and are unable to live a normal life, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The only way to find out if you have PTSD is to talk to a qualified mental health professional. Of course, you can also talk to a trusted friend, family member or spiritual leader, but only a psychologist will be able to assess your symptoms and diagnose PTSD.

• How do you know if you have PTSD?

If you have witnessed, been threatened with or experienced a life-threatening situation, sexual violence or assault, or have had regular exposure to people who have experienced these situations, you may have PTSD.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do you…

• Have flashbacks to the event
• Have uncontrollable thoughts and emotions
• Experience shaking, sweating or other physical reactions when recalling the event
• Suffer from insomnia
• Get startled easily
• Have nightmares about the event
• Avoid certain situations or activities because they remind you of the trauma
• Avoid other people since the incident and feel isolated
• Find it impossible not to blame yourself for what happened
• Feel unable to experience any real joy or pleasure

If you answered yes to more than three of these questions, you should seek help from a professional psychologist or mental health practitioner. You cannot diagnose or treat yourself.

• It’s never too late to treat PTSD

Remember, PTSD can surface years after a traumatic event, triggered by a memory or a new experience. Once the symptoms of PTSD appear, it’s unlikely that they’ll disappear on their own. In all likelihood, they’ll get worse and their impact will also affect your family, friends and colleagues. But it’s never too late to get help.

• Psylegal can help

If you think you have PTSD, make an appointment to see one of the compassionate and experienced psychologists at Psylegal. We will help you work through your trauma so you can live your life unburdened and unafraid. Contact us today.

Related Tag: Trauma Counselling Melbourne