If you’ve experienced a traumatic event or events and are living with the lasting effects of this trauma, you may be wondering, “am I living with PTSD?”. While the effects of trauma may differ from person to person, if these effects are debilitating to daily life, it’s important to take a closer look. Finding out you may be living with PTSD can be the information you need to take the first step in getting help. And, furthermore, developing healing and healthy coping strategies to manage symptoms of this mental health condition and live a life of wellbeing.

Traumatic Experiences That Can Lead to the Development of PTSD

The development of PTSD is the result of experiencing trauma. Traumatic experiences differ and can affect people differently. Furthermore, trauma doesn’t have to be a one-time event; it can occur many times over the course of many years. Some examples of traumatic experiences can include:

• living through and surviving a natural disaster
• witnessing or being victim to a crime
• abuse (sexual, verbal, physical, etc.)
• childhood neglect
• injury or accident (like a car wreck)
• war and combat
• illness and/or going through treatment
• death of a loved one
• and more

Am I Living With PTSD? Some Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Experiencing a traumatic event or events doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re living with PTSD. PTSD is diagnosed in individuals who have experienced trauma and debilitating symptoms as the result of an extended period of time.

Some symptoms of PTSD are more noticeable than others. And, since people may wish to keep the symptoms of their PTSD private, it can be challenging to identify PTSD in a loved one. Some signs and symptoms of PTSD can include:

• experiencing intrusive and unwanted thoughts
• not being able to stop thinking about negative thoughts
• reliving traumatic events through flashbacks and thoughts
• avoidance of people, places, and things that may trigger unwanted thoughts
• irritability and acting out in anger
• feeling anxious (racing heartbeat, sweating, etc.)
• survivor’s guilt
• recurring nightmares

Think You May Have PTSD? You’re NOT Alone

PTSD isn’t uncommon in individuals who have lived through traumatic events. So, if you have experienced trauma and think that you may be living with PTSD, you’re not alone. In fact, according to statistics, about 8% of the U.S. population is living with PTSD. And, it’s something that can happen to literally anyone. It doesn’t discriminate and can be something that occurs at any point in a person’s life.

While PTSD may not be entirely preventable since trauma is something we cannot expect or foresee, it is treatable. Both medications and therapy are successful in helping individuals manage the symptoms of PTSD. Therefore, helping them to live out their lives with a healthy mindset and without the debilitating symptoms of PTSD.

If you or a loved one may be living with PTSD, Delray Center for Healing can help. We provide outpatient treatment for individuals living with a number of mental health conditions, including PTSD. Get help with a diagnosis and treatment today by calling us for a confidential consultation at 888-699-5679.