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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops
after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat
of physical harm. The person who develops PTSD may have been the
one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one,
or the person may have witnessed a harmful event that happened
to loved ones or strangers. People who have suffered abuse as
children or who have had other previous traumatic experiences
are more likely to develop the disorder
Most people with PTSD repeatedly
relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares
when they sleep. These are called flashbacks. Flashbacks may consist
of images, sounds, smells, or feelings, and are often triggered
by ordinary occurrences, such as a door slamming or a car backfiring
on the street. A person having a flashback may lose touch with
reality and believe that the traumatic incident is happening all
over again.
Not every traumatized person develops
full-blown or even minor PTSD. Symptoms usually begin within 3
months of the incident but occasionally emerge years afterward.
The course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6
months, while others have symptoms that last much longer.
Co-occurring depression, alcohol
or other substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder are not
uncommon. Headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system
problems, dizziness, chest pain, or discomfort in other parts
of the body are common.
Psychotherapy can treat PTSD and
survivors of trauma very effectively. Therapy always is individualized
to meet the specific concerns and needs of each unique trauma
survivor.
Benefits of Psychotherapy
Through the retelling of the traumatic
event to a calm, empathic, compassionate and non-judgmental therapist,
the patient achieves a greater sense of self-esteem, develops
effective ways of thinking and coping, and more successfully deals
with the intense emotions that emerge during therapy. The therapist
helps the patient identify current life situations that set off
traumatic memories and worsen PTSD symptoms.
To book your free initial
consultation Click here - Toronto Psychotherapist .
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