PTSD 

By: Cherish McCallum, LCSW

When we hear this acronym, most of us know what it stands for; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. But what does that mean? 

This month of PTSD awareness invites us to learn more about what this is, treatments that help and ways to support anyone who experiences a profoundly distressing and painful event in their life. 

When the brain and body experience a disturbing event, it stores the sensory input from that situation in the part of the brain attached to emotions. When the memories are very distressing, the brain may have trouble processing the intensity of the experience and symptoms of PTSD may surface.   

The four primary symptoms of PTSD are:

• Reliving the event often, sometimes with flashbacks 

• Avoiding things that remind us of the event or that trigger a memory of it 

• Having more negative thoughts, worries and strong feelings than we did before the event 

• Feeling on guard, on edge or in constant alert mode 

People who experience these symptoms often lose confidence in the safety of the world and in themselves. This can lead to depression, anxiety and substance abuse. 

Because the symptoms of PTSD are rooted in our emotional memory center, someone experiencing symptoms may not be able to explain “why” very well. Sometimes asking a person “why,” may make distress worse. Logic and rational thought do not make the symptoms go away. However, there are some excellent time-tested and research-based therapy techniques or methods that have helped millions. 

One of the best sites to learn about PTSD, understand treatment options and gather tips on how to support someone with PTSD is from the National Center for PTSD. Click here to read more. 

The site has information that applies to all ages and even includes parenting tips for adults experiencing PTSD. 

Every one of us will experience a distressing and disturbing event in our lives, especially living in a beautiful part of the country prone to natural disasters!     

This month is also a great time to learn more about building resilience in yourself and your family so that when scary, painful and unexpected events happen, your brain and body can manage them effectively. 

There are many resources that outline ways to celebrate the good things you are already doing and ideas for building resilience. Simply searching for the phrase “ways to build resilience,” will give you a wealth of information. There are also numerous apps for teaching and tracking wellbeing and resilience. One example is the app, “iChill,” which uses the Community Resiliency Model. 

The foundation blocks for resilience start with taking care of your physical and emotional health regularly. Recognize what recharges you, makes you laugh, slows your heart rate or makes you smile. Fun does not have to wait until you have eaten all the vegetables in life! Take time today to re-set your brain and body and allow yourself to occasionally eat the desserts of life first! 

If you feel you are experiencing PTSD or any other behavioral health condition, schedule an appointment with South Central Behavioral Health by calling 601-426-9614.