Atlanta Post-traumatic Stress Recovery

When you think about those affected by PTSD, who comes to mind? Do you think of someone who has lost a loved one, experienced sexual abuse or assault, or has survived a natural disaster? Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a serious mental illness that may develop after a person has been through or witnessed a frightening incident. Events such as combat, abuse, and traumatic accidents are just a few causes of PTSD. These types of events often induce feelings of helplessness, horror, or extreme fear. These individuals may become extremely agitated or they may tend to isolate themselves. Summit’s Edge counselor, Daron Elam, is a trauma and crisis counselor specializing in the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.

Those with PTSD may not show symptoms until up to three months after the incident and can display symptoms up to a year after the incident.
If you believe that you or someone you love may be suffering from PTSD, check out these red flag symptoms:

● Re-living or re-experiencing symptoms: This is when something triggers a memory about the traumatic event like a car that backfires may remind a veteran of gun shots. These memories may cause flashbacks and make a person feel like the event is actually happening.
● Avoidance and numbing symptoms: Someone may try to avoid all reminders of the traumatic event. Numbing is another way to avoid the incident. The individual may chose not to talk to others and/or show a disinterest in those activities they used to enjoy.
● Increased alertness: Someone with PTSD may feel constantly on alert, have increase startle response (jump at loud noises, become easily rattled) and have trouble sleeping or controlling their emotions.

There are several ways to treat PTSD. Counseling and therapy have shown to be very effective. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you change the way you conceptualize the trauma. Some therapists may utilize EMDR or exposure therapy to help the client get to the truly unreachable parts of their experience in order to help them deal with their anger, sadness and frustration in a healthy way. Summit’s Edge will strive to partner with you through your recovery by providing DBT skill-based treatment for emotional regulation. Call us today to begin your journey!