BAC Journal > Professional Counseling Helps Heal and Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Professional Counseling Helps Heal and Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

2022 Issue 1
MAP

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises when someone is exposed to severe trauma. It was first coined as “shell shock,” to describe a myriad of severe psychological symptoms in soldiers exposed to the horrors of World War I. In recent years, while PTSD continues to be common among veterans, the condition is also seen in survivors of physical and sexual assault, accidents, child abuse, terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Symptoms of PTSD

Hallmark symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, terrifying thoughts and “flashbacks,” when the person mentally relives a traumatic event repeatedly. Flashbacks are often accompanied by intense physical symptoms, such as racing heartbeat, rapid breathing and sweating.

Reactions to PTSD are not the same. For instance, young children under age six often display unique symptoms of PTSD, including bedwetting, being clingy with adults, “acting out” the trauma during playtime or emotionally shutting down to the extent that they struggle to formulate words or are unable to talk.

Among older children, teens and adults, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) categorizes a host of common PTSD symptoms.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms:

  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling tense or “on edge”
  • Having difficulty sleeping
  • Having angry outbursts

Cognition and mood symptoms:

  • Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
  • Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Experts recognize that when exposed to trauma, more than eight percent of people will develop full blown PTSD. The reasons why some people develop PTSD while others do not, are not yet fully understood.

Professional Treatment is Essential

Perhaps one of the greatest myths about PTSD is the idea that not talking about trauma helps the person to forget and heal. In fact, PTSD survivors need to talk through the psychological trauma with a mental health professional. While the healing process takes time and it may feel uncomfortable at first, in the long run, talking through PTSD with a therapist helps to reduce symptoms and prevent chronic PTSD from taking hold of one’s life.

In addition to professional “talk therapy,” some PTSD survivors are prescribed antidepressant medications to assist in reducing anxiety and depression. While medication therapies are not for everyone, research shows that when combined with mental health counseling, PTSD survivors heal faster and retain therapeutic benefits longer.

While in treatment, NIMH suggests incorporating the following coping strategies:

  • Talk with your doctor about treatment options.
  • Engage in mild physical activity or exercise to help reduce stress.
  • Set realistic goals for yourself.
  • Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
  • Try to spend time with other people; confide in a trusted friend or relative. Tell others about things that may trigger symptoms.
  • Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately.
  • Identify and seek out comforting situations, places and people.