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Anxiety

Understanding Anxiety and How to Deal with It
  • March 30, 2023
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Understanding Anxiety and How to Deal with It

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time; it’s a normal emotional reaction in anticipation of an unpleasant occurrence. Overwhelming distress is the benchmark indicator of anxiety.

What Is Anxiety?

Constant worry can leave the patient incapable of responding appropriately in daily interactions, making handling stress even more challenging. “Persistent and excessive worry” causing individuals to shift from a healthy perception of their life to an irrational view where they “expect the worst even when there is no obvious reason to be concerned” is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s definition for anxiety.

Although anxiety can bring fearful feelings, they are two different things. In psychological terms, fear rises from anticipating an actual future event, whereas anxiety is typically a nervous response to an irrational viewpoint of a potential occurrence.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is an obstacle to daily function, engagement and a mental health condition. The various anxiety disorders each have particular indicators and challenges. Understanding the specific anxiety disorder plaguing you is essential to receive proper treatment and resolution.

The primary anxiety disorders are:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAC)
  • Panic Disorder
  • Phobias
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Agoraphobia
  • Social Anxiety

Some mental health issues like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) exhibit elements of anxiety disorders

The Symptoms Anxiety

Aside from excessive worrying, fatigue, irritability, problems with concentrating, difficulty falling or staying asleep, are among the many problematic symptoms of anxiety disorders. Patients suffering from these conditions often experience sweaty palms, shaky hands, a racing pulse, and dry mouth, to name just a few of the unpleasant symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.

These symptoms result from your brain readying your body to face a perceived danger or threat. The fight-or-flight reaction kicks in, and blood is diverted from your gastrointestinal system and other areas not critical to defending against this threat.

While this reaction is natural, healthy, and beneficial in the face of actual danger, it is debilitating when the threat is not real. The heightened level of hormones and the diversion of essential blood flow remain at high levels far longer than in an actual threatening environment which can result in serious health consequences.

What Can You Do?

You can do several things to alleviate and even free yourself from anxiety. Changing your outlook and adopting a more rational and less fearful perspective is the first step.

Lifestyle choices can be crucial for moving beyond the burden of anxiety. Common sense solutions such as a balanced and healthy diet, going for a walk and experiencing nature regularly, and establishing a regular exercise routine are all healthy strategies to reduce or eliminate anxiety.

Setting limits on your commitments and learning to say no when necessary can provide substantial relief and make your life more fulfilling. Overcommitting due to the inability to say no can quickly become overwhelming.

While beneficial in certain circumstances, procrastination can become a significant source of anxiety when we let things slide and suddenly have a mountain of incomplete chores and obligations. Writing down all of those neglected tasks and completing them one at a time can be rewarding and will indeed eliminate substantial stress and anxiety.

Summary

Anxiety and anxiety disorders are treatable mental health concerns. Different anxiety disorders present particular symptoms and challenges that need specific treatment.

The main challenge to resolving these issues is adjusting your viewpoint, the perspective you hold about your life. Anxiety results from irrational and fearful thoughts regarding a perceived future event. Fostering a more realistic vision is crucial to move past this debilitating issue.

If you suffer from anxiety in any form, there are well-established therapies to help you live a less fearful and more productive life.

 

Check out our other blogs here. 

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divorce stress

Effective ways to cope with divorce stress
  • January 30, 2023
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Effective ways to cope with divorce stress

Ending a marriage is one of the most stressful and emotionally draining situations of adult life. Not to mention the impact of divorce on children. Although there is not much you can do to eliminate divorce stress and pain, your hope for moving on is the gift of self-management because life goes on at the end of it all. 

It is essential to properly deal with the negative emotions that arise from divorce to enable you to move on and maintain optimal mental health. This way, you can avoid transferring your emotional baggage to your new relationships or wreaking your self-confidence and esteem going forward. Therefore this article will explore the most effective strategies for coping with divorce stress. Now let’s get started!

Make your mental, emotional and physical health your top priority 

Falling into substance abuse and other habits to elicit temporary relief from divorce stress looks like the best thing to do. However, it really isn’t. The reason is that it puts you on a downward spiral. Also, you never truly move on from there. If you have children, you should prioritize their health, too, from a holistic viewpoint. 

You should prioritize your mental, emotional and physical health because they are all you’ve got when your partner leaves. They make up all of YOU! Besides, sound health will see you through at the end of the day—during the long lonely nights or dull days. 

You need to be at your best to withstand the pain associated with divorce stress to enable you emerge stronger. You can achieve this by eating healthy, staying physically fit and getting plenty of rest. All these will help you build a stronger, healthier mind and body to see you through the pain you are experiencing. 

Increasing your awareness and being self-nurturing 

A practical method to gain control of your holistic health when dealing with divorce stress is by paying attention to your emotional needs and nurturing yourself emotionally and physically. Paying attention to your emotional needs means cultivating a heightened awareness of your emotions. The reason is that divorce stress can leave you feeling vulnerable and weak. As a result, you need more emotional awareness to figure out what you need in real-time. 

You could find and join a support group, visit a therapist or engage in mindful activities like journaling to help you process the many feelings flooding your mind per time—the general idea is to practice more self-care.

Show yourself a great deal of kindness to overcome divorce stress

The concept of self-responsibility that comes with our modern age can increase your tendency to beat yourself up in stressful situations like a divorce. This is where self-kindness comes in handy as research reveals that people with self-compassion handle divorce challenges better leading up to months after separation. You should not see your ending marriage as a representation of your failure. 

The truth is—there is no standard way to feel when dealing with a divorce. Yes, there will be tears and lots of them, but while you allow yourself to feel these intense emotions, your focus should be on healing. Your feelings are valid, no matter how they present themselves. 

Final Thought 

Truth be told, divorce stress is expected when a marriage ends abruptly. However, what counts is how you handle it and your ability to convert the stress into your leverage for stronger, healthier well-being because you are stronger than you know. Hopefully, the tips in this piece point you in the right direction for taking charge of your life and moving on after a divorce. 

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postpartum depression

Three tips for coping with postpartum depression
  • May 31, 2022
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Having a child is a great privilege, but childbirth’s enormous responsibility can sometimes trigger postpartum depression in new mothers. Statistically,  about one in seven women experience baby blues yearly. Also, from a scientific standpoint, there is no specific cause for postpartum depression. 

However, there is a valuable strategy for treating women with the disorder. So in this blog post, we will go over several methods to help you cope with postpartum depression. Let’s get started!

What is postpartum depression?

Essentially, postpartum depression is a psychological disorder affecting women after childbirth. It is characterized by severe mood swings and unhappiness with the new state of motherhood, where the mother experiences difficulty bonding with her baby. Depressed new mothers may experience a strong urge to kill their babies and require critical psychological and medical attention in extreme cases. 

Fortunately, the psychological disorder is treatable. One of the first steps is caring for your psychological wellness during pregnancy to forestal postpartum depression. Most people refer to postpartum depression as baby blues. While both terms loosely mean the unhappiness and mood swings new mothers experience after childbirth, there is a slight difference. 

Baby blues are easily treatable and do not last long, while postpartum depression requires compulsory treatment and attention. However, several women do not report their episodes of unhappiness after childbirth and remain untreated.

Three Tips for managing postpartum depression

Postnatal depression does not make you a bad parent and does not require you to struggle in secret with it. Here are effective strategies to help you cope with the disorder.

Endeavor to establish a strong bond with your baby

Establishing a secure bond with your baby is vital for preventing postpartum depression. Some mothers immediately form this bond with their babies, while others require some time to build the bond slowly. 

Sometimes, it can take several weeks to even months to make a significant attachment to your baby. A secure mother-baby bond is beneficial for both mother and child. You can stimulate this bonding by cuddling, kissing, and responding to your baby’s emotional cues. This way, you reassure yourself of your child’s dependability while reassuring your child of your undeniable love and attention.

Take the time to care for yourself.

Taking care of yourself does more for your mental well-being than you realize. Essentially, most negative emotional responses after childbirth stem from the pressure new mothers feel about having to sacrifice everything continuously. As a result, the new mother subconsciously feels cheated or at a disadvantage, thus triggering a negative emotional response towards her baby. 

Taking a nap while your baby is asleep is one way to begin. Also, you can steal a few hours of sleep to compensate for the lack of sleep every time your baby demands your attention.

Additionally, you should nourish your body with high-quality foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Alternatively, you can engage in light exercise, pamper yourself, go for a makeover, dress shopping, etc. The idea is to give yourself enough attention to avoid feeling drained emotionally, mentally, physically, and otherwise.

Get professional help

Postpartum depression is not a disorder to manage alone and in isolation. You can get professional help by signing up for psychotherapy and counseling sessions. Also, your therapist might add some prescription antidepressants to your sessions to help ease your stress.

Bottom Line

Postnatal depression is normal and doesn’t require much worry. Taking care of your mental health before and during pregnancy will put you ahead of the situation. Furthermore, you get to condition your mind before your baby comes to help you bond better.  

 

    

 

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Two seniors on a stroll

How to maintain your mental health as a Senior
  • February 14, 2022
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Maintaining golden-age health and vitality can be pretty challenging. Even more, your mental health, especially as more and more seniors suffer from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, muscle dystrophy, etc.

Nonetheless, taking care of your mental well-being in your golden age can be fun and less burdensome if you know the right tips. This blog post will enlighten you with four essential tips for maintaining your mental health as a senior. So read on to learn more!

  • Eat more golden-age friendly foods

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health, your mind inclusive. The reason is that your brain needs energy from food to function effectively. Essentially, your brain derives its primary nutrients from glucose, a metabolic byproduct of carbohydrate digestion. As a result, your diet should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meat, and healthy fats.

Additionally, you should avoid highly processed foods and trans fats as you age. The idea is to eat more natural foods for a healthy mind while in your golden years.

  • Stay properly hydrated

Your body is made up of 75% water. Also, it would help if you had more water and fluids in your system to maintain your inner transport or circulation. When poorly hydrated, you predispose your brain to shock, leading to a coma. It helps to know that your mind is an integral part of your body. Your mind is what makes you, you. 

Suppose you find plain water unpalatable. There are other ways to spice up your drinking water so that you’re more motivated to drink more. You can add fruit slices to flavor your water. Alternatively, you can consume more tea and eat more citrus fruits. That way, you’re indirectly hydrating without dealing with the bland taste of plain water. 

  • Keep your mind engaged in your golden years.

Usually, your mind is the first recipient of the golden-age call. A big part of enjoying your golden years is when your mind remains active. As a result, you should get into the habit of learning. Read books, watch worthwhile videos, learn a skill, a game, etc. For example, if you like music, you could play an instrument. 

The more new things you know, the more neurons your brain develops through a process called neuroplasticity. This way, you keep your mind young and sharp. So join that chess club today!

Alternatively, you can engage in helpful conversations with others and maintain an active social life. What’s more? Several young people will be interested in learning from your life’s story.

  • Get adequate golden-age physical exercise.

Physical exercise is not exclusive to professional athletes and younger people who want to look sexy. Exercise is beneficial to everyone regardless of their age. As a result, getting older doesn’t stop you from getting adequate training. 

Additionally, you should engage more in golden-age exercise to ward off bone diseases, like arthritis and other golden-age-related diseases. Exercise also puts you in a great mood because it lifts your spirit. Several methods exist for seniors to get plenty of exercise like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, dancing, etc. 

Conclusion

Getting older is both a privilege and a blessing. As a result, a sharp mind will assist you in looking back through life and passing on your wisdom and experiences to the younger generation. While there are other methods to keep your mind sharp as you age, we hope this article gives you an excellent head start.

 

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deal with stress

Best Ways to Deal with Stress 
  • August 31, 2021
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Best Ways to Deal with Stress 

Healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in helping people to deal with stress. Stress is an enemy of one’s health. It can lower immunity and lead to or worsen illnesses and other medical conditions. Stress is basically the body’s response to certain events, whether they be good or bad events. Stress levels vary from person to person, and what might not cause any stress for one person could be highly stressful for another. The effects of too much stress include changing one’s behavior, being unhappy or depressed, not sleeping well at night, and many other behaviors that do more harm than good. Below are well-explained ways of coping with stress:

(a) Regular exercise

Exercising is an excellent way of relieving stress and promoting a good physical condition as well. A recent study showed that people who exercise for just 30 minutes per week are less likely to be stressed than those people who do not workout at all. Working out regularly can help relieve stress because it makes the individual physically tired . This form of relaxation helps individuals sleep better at night, which also reduces the effects of stress on their bodies. All workout should be done with consent from a doctor if the individual has certain pre-existing medical conditions. Some of stress relieving exercises include dancing, walking, yoga, running, and others.

(b) Listening to music

Individuals who listen to their favorite type of music or songs while trying to relax will get rid of stress in no time. There is something about enjoying music that helps people feel better instantly because they associate great memories and happy emotions with their favorite songs. 

(c) Creating art

Most artists can get away from their problems and worries by creating something new, whether writing with words, painting a picture, or making up a beat on an instrument. Art can help people express themselves in ways they cannot do in real life when they are stressed. If individuals create something because they feel like it, this will reduce their stress levels and make them happier overall in life.

(d) Getting enough sleep

It is no secret that getting 8 hours of sleep everyday as encouraged by specialists can help individuals stay healthy and stress-free. Without enough sleep, the body cannot function properly, leading to bigger problems like fatigue, weight gain, or even heart disease. Having trouble sleeping is a common cause of stress for many people because they are trying to do too much during the day. 

(e) Eating right

Eating healthy foods is one way of living a longer and better life without worrying about future illnesses like diabetes, obesity, or cancer. It is also important not to skip certain meals throughout the day because this only adds more stress to an individual.

 

For other articles, check out our blog.

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vitamin d and mental health

Vitamin D and Mental Health
  • July 22, 2021
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Why Everyone is Craving Vitamin D 

Most people understand the importance of consuming various vitamins; however, many people are not getting enough Vitamin D and it can affect their mental health. This vitamin is called the sunshine vitamin because most people can get what they need directly from the sun. The body produces Vitamin D from sunlight. Numerous people do not get enough sunlight on a regular basis, so luckily it is also available by consuming certain things. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more apparent because people are spending way more time inside. Some people also choose to take supplements with the vitamin in it.

Why Vitamin D

Most people instantly associate Vitamin D with bone health; however Vitamin D does so much more. There are several processes that Vitamin D helps in. One of the most important functions of the vitamin is the regulation of the absorption of phosphorous and calcium. It also helps with immune system function. It is imperative for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to combat certain diseases. If the body is unable to get enough of the D vitamin the risk for abnormal bones increase.

Vitamin D Helps to Regulate Mood

Vitamin D is described as a natural mood regulator. Sometimes a change in attitude and outlook is because the vitamin is lacking. In fact, when someone is missing this important vitamin, they may become depressed. Some people who do not get enough Vitamin D on a daily basis, become more anxious. It is suggested that adults get 2000 IU of Vitamin D each day. Some doctors recommend getting Vitamin D levels checked to ensure enough of the vitamin is being taken each day.

vitamin d foods

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

There are several ways to ensure that enough Vitamin D is taken on a daily basis.

One way is to ensure that at least ten to thirty minutes each day is spent directly in the sun. This can help to increase D3 levels. If natural sunlight is not an option due to time or location, purchasing a therapy lamp is another great option. Another way to get Vitamin D in daily is by the food eaten. Some good food options are salmon, tuna, milk, eggs and mushrooms. Supplements are another great way to increase Vitamin D levels. It is important to review exactly how much Vitamin D is in the supplement because there can be quite a range.

Vitamin D is very important to keep the body functioning properly. If anyone is having trouble with their anxiety or depression getting more Vitamin D may help. 

 

See our blog for more topics on mental health.

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differences psychology

Differences Between Therapeutic Psychology and Forensic Psychology 
  • June 27, 2021
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Differences Between Therapeutic Psychology and Forensic Psychology 

When it comes to mental health, it is incredibly important to make sure one finds the best suited mental health professional possible in order to increase one’s chances of a desired outcome. Most people find themselves visiting a mental health professional for one of two reasons. They either take it upon themselves to seek out treatment in order to improve their mental health or situation, or they have been mandated by a court or a place of employment to seek an evaluation.  The differences in these psychology practices can be found here. 

Mental health professionals usually specialize in different areas of practice. Regardless of purpose, it is important for a client to understand the major differences between these two specialties within the psychiatric realm. The fundamental difference between the roles of therapeutic psychologists and forensic psychologist, is whether the client is pursuing voluntary treatment vs. involuntary assessment. This article will further explore the major differences between forensic and therapeutic psychology.

Reasons for Therapy 

A therapeutic psychologist is much more open to a client establishing and modifying their treatment goals. A psychologist who specializes in this field will usually be sought out by a client when they have perhaps experienced difficult circumstances or significant hardships in their life, and they would like to address these issues in order to develop appropriate coping mechanisms for the situation at hand. 

The main purpose of a forensic psychologist, is to ascertain whether the individual is of sound mind to stand trial or, in the case of employment, return to duty. A forensic psychologist is not hired in order to assist an individual in improving their psychological well-being. Rather, a forensic psychologist’s role is focused on the legalities, rather than dispensing therapeutic advice. 

For example, a law enforcement officer who has been involved in a particularly stressful incident while on duty may be mandated by his department to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he is allowed to return to regular duty status. Another example, could be a criminal defendant, who’s mental capacity may be called into question. One of the deciding factors in whether they would be deemed “criminally insane,” or fit to stand trial, would be the outcome of a mandated forensic psychiatric evaluation. 

Confidentiality

A common myth is that all psychologists are held to the same standard of confidentiality, however this is not the case when it comes to forensic psychologists. While psychologists who specialize in therapeutic psychology are held to a high standard of confidentiality (with the exception of imminent threat or harm being posed to the client or others), forensic psychologists are usually required to report their findings to the court, or agency, which mandated the screening. 

Once again, the important thing to keep in mind is whether that client is seeking out voluntary treatment vs. involuntary assessment. With an involuntary psychological evaluation, one should always assume that the results of the screening, or interview, will likely be discussed with an outside agency, in order to determine the next best course of action. 

Both therapeutic psychologists and forensic psychologists play a vital role in society. Being able to identify and distinguish between the functions of therapeutic and forensic psychology is crucial in order to identify the right specialist for the job. 

 

If you are in need of a Forensic Psychologist, look no further! Contact us today. 

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blank

How to Prepare for Adoption 
  • April 30, 2021
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How to Prepare for Adoption 

Every prospective parent has to undergo a pre-adoption evaluation known as ‘home study’, before they can be approved for adoption. A home study operates as a record that lists aspects of your life such as your health and financial information, family history, parenting plan and personal background. It also consists of undergoing a series of interviews, a psychological test and home visits from a social worker. Naturally, prospective parents view the home study process as being nerve racking. Fortunately, we compiled a list of tips to consider to ensure that you can prepare adequately for adoption.

1) Prepare Your Home 

During your home study, a social worker will evaluate your residence to determine if it’s a safe environment for a child to live in. Therefore, most experts suggest that prospective parents should declutter and clean their homes. In fact, consider the possibility of hiring a professional cleaning contractor such as a maid. Social workers will go through each room, but they usually spend less than 10 minutes looking at the safety features of each room. Additionally, ensure that: 

  • Swimming pools are fenced and covered.
  • Weapons are stored in a locked gun safety box.
  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are in the main living areas of the building.
  • Use short window drape cords.
  • Household cleaners and pesticide should be stored in cupboards with child proof locks.

2) Treat Your Social Worker Like A Friend 

One of the things that can help to alleviate the stresses that are associated with the pre-adoption evaluation process is to think of the social worker as a guest, as opposed to an authority figure. Meaning, conversations should have a friendly tone and similarly to a guest, you should offer them tea or coffee. The point of doing this, isn’t to gain favors per se, but to make them feel comfortable. After all, the point of a pre-adoption evaluation is to determine if you can provide a safe and comfortable environment for the child. 

adoption3) Prepare For Your Interviews 

To a certain extent, your interview is akin to a secondary psychological test. Your assigned social worker will conduct an interview to evaluate your intentions, your history and suitability. Some of the general topics you’ll have to discuss include: 

  • Finances
  • Health history
  • Reason as to why you want to adopt
  • Relationship/Marriage history
  • Stress management techniques
  • How you plan to discipline a child

It helps to become aware of the topics you’ll be discussing so that you can provide an accurate, well thought out answer.

4) Gather Necessary Documents Beforehand

The last thing you should do is to rush through the paperwork you’ll be given. This can be tempting as you’ll be given an abundance of paperwork to fill out, as well as to submit multiple documents. But, by becoming aware of the type of paperwork you’ll be filing out, you can get the necessary documents together to expedite the process of filling them out. To prepare for adoption, some of the type of paperwork you’ll be completing includes: 

  • Personal references
  • Employer references
  • Financial statements
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage license
  • Adoption education requirements
  • Background checks
  • Health statements

 

If you need assistance with an adoption evaluation. contact us here. 

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spring hope

Spring can Give us New Hope 
  • March 31, 2021
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Spring can give us new Hope 

Spring brings us back to nature, calms our tired bodies, lifts up our spirits and fills up our sail with warm winds. Spring and hope are entangled in the soul. Mind, and body, during spring, nature combine with psychology and biology to sparkle the basic wants which inspire hope: mastery, attachment, spirituality and survival. Seasons can go with the reward of hope which greets us during the spring.

Descriptions of hope in the spring season

Here are some examples of hope in metaphors

A Healing property

Hope is flaunted as the best medicine. The hope of a patient is a secret weapon to the doctor. Hopeful patients are believed to be the secret weapon to whichever prescription they are given for their disease. Hopeful feelings have a true and quantifiable impact on health. Just like spring, hope is a powerful helper in maintaining health as well as recovering from diseases. People who were more optimistic were not as much likely to ignore doses of medicine and were rated as more dedicated to maintaining their health.

A bridge

Spring offers a bridge from the desolate winter darkness to the dazzling warmness of summer. Hope is equated to a bridge which can transport a person from darkness to light, from enslavement to liberty, and from wickedness to salvation. The curative potential of spring is indisputable, from the reduction of Seasonal Affective Disorder to the rise in Vitamin D production. 

Light and Heat

Spring comes with additional light and heat also, at times it comes after a dark and cold day. The increased light results in a lot of indirect and direct effects, which helps in elevating our mood and bring about hope. Increased exercises, as well as the bodily related but psychologically different activities of farming and gardening, are some of the indirect outcomes of spring on elevating our mood.

A havenspring

Hope can as well refer to as safe harbor or refuge. The Oxford English Dictionary had the original meaning of hope “a secluded island in the center of a desert”. Therefore, the very least we can do in this life is to discover what our hopes are. Additionally, the most we can do is to stay in that hope. Don’t admire hope from far; live just inside it.

Mind descriptions

Metaphors can disclose the interior structure of personal feelings. For instance, when we talk about “high hopes”, we try to reveal something regarding the phenomenology of experiencing hope, which is “cheerful”, “inspiring”, even “energizing.”

The world awakens during the spring season. Having been still, grey, and frosty throughout the winter season, there are new noises, things to see, flavors, and smells all coming from the natural world.  There comes a call to action, commitment and motivation to a fresh beginning in each of us. It is very simple to relate the spring day feelings to the positive features of hope.

 

If you find yourself needing help in this season, contact us. 

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ptsd navigate the silent scream

PTSD, Known as the Silent Scream
  • February 17, 2021
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What is PTSD? Is it a Complex Disorder?

Why is PTSD referred to as a silent scream? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is basically an anxiety disorder related to the stress that people undergo after experiencing some form of trauma. It develops after a person experiences some form of trauma that causes intense mental and emotional symptoms, often unseen, PTSD is a silent scream. Common symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, social withdrawal, and insomnia. Some common causes of trauma include natural disasters, war, accidents, and violence. It’s different how it affects men and women, and a qualified professional will be able to help navigate this silent scream.

As previously mentioned, many people who have post-traumatic stress disorder have developed negative coping skills that make them avoid thinking about painful memories and stressing over the fears they feel. The avoidance process prevents victims from dealing with their emotions. When people with PTSD learn how to deal with their emotions, their coping skills improve. As a result, their PTSD improves, as well. IF you are looking for help determining how it affects men and women, a professional will be able to assist.

So how do you know if you are experiencing post-traumatic disorder? If you experience persistent and exaggerated flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and stress after a traumatic event, then you may have PTSD. There are two forms of PTSD, acute and chronic. In the acute form, victims are often able to deal with their fears in the spur of the moment; however, victims’ symptoms become so intense that they interfere with their lives in the chronic form.

How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated? The treatment for PTSD depends on its severity. For minor trauma, the treatment ranges from conventional medications (antidepressants, tranquilizers) to psychotherapy. Severe trauma requires medical intervention and mental health treatment.

ptsd navigate the silent screamWhat are the symptoms of PTSD?

The most common symptoms of PTSD silent scream include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and increased anxiety. Some sufferers develop physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, and nausea. Some develop psychological symptoms such as irritability, depression, and even years of self-destructive behavior.

Navigating the Silent Scream

If you suspect that you suffer from complex PTSD, your first step should probably be to go to your doctor and get a complete physical and mental health evaluation. If you do not feel that this level of professional help is necessary, then consider seeking support through local support groups, like the Trauma Recovery Team or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). These groups can provide you with the emotional and practical support you need to feel better and begin to work on your road to recovery from your disorder. If all else fails, then consider seeking an alternative healing method, such as psychotherapy, to treat your symptoms and reduce your stress level.

 

For urgent matters in the Indianapolis area, please contact us.

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