Farrell Family Counseling Center, PLLC

You are not alone. Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)'.

June is PTSD awareness month Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault. Symptoms include: ... Re-Experiencing: Flashbacks reliving the traumatic event Intense physical reactions to flashbacks Nightmares Severe distress when reminded of the trauma Triggered by words, objects, or situations that remind the person of the event Disruptions in everyday routine Avoidance: General memory problems Hopelessness about future Emotional numbing Feeling detached from others Avoiding certain places, events, or objects that remind a person of the trauma Challenges recalling important parts of the traumatic event Trying to avoid thinking or talking about event Avoiding activities once enjoyed Trouble concentrating Hyperarousal: Being easily startled or frightened Engaging in self-destructive behavior Constantly tense or on-edge Irritability or anger Trouble sleeping Overwhelming guilt or shame Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there Treatments Treatment consists of medications and therapy through clinical psychologists and/ or psychiatrists Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Psychological treatment that reduces the stress of traumatic events through eye movements. Exposure and response prevention: A talk therapy based on exposing feared or traumatic experiences within a safe setting in order to help reduce any associated psychological distress. An estimated 8% of Americans are suffering from PTSD at any given time, many in silence. Copy and paste to raise awareness.