Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD)

Veterans day gives us the opportunity to honor those who have and do serve our country. This is also a time of reflection, when we reflect on the consequences of war we find that many former and current military members and their families are greatly impacted by Post war trauma. PTSD is a very serious and debilitating consequence of being in a state of hyper arousal. Researchers have found that Recurring violence habituates survivors to live in fear and sympathetic nervous system arousal. This constant state of nervous system arousal makes people feel that the world is not a safe place. One can see how this belief system makes daily living very unmanageable. Bing in a constant state of survival impacts the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Therapy can create a journey of healing for those suffering from trauma related disorders. Clients need to feel safe enough with their therapist to describe their humiliation and overwhelm. At the same time, the therapist needs to be nurturing enough to provide the empathy and calm support that is missing in the client's current experience. Seeking support and assistance from a trained professional is an opportunity to find healing and restoration to individuals and families who might be suffering.  


Steps towards healing:


Awareness


Acceptance


Seek a Therapeutic alliance with a trained therapist. 


This video below gives a very helpful understanding of the signs and symptoms of PTSD. This video was created by the Veterans Health Administration.