National PTSD Awareness Month

Everyone experiences some kind of trauma during their lifetime. For some people, it may develop into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a serious mental health issue that can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

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Fortunately, PTSD is treatable. Seeking professional help for PTSD is important to prevent it from worsening. If you or someone you know experiences some of the following symptoms for more than a month after a traumatic experience, it is crucial to seek professional help from a therapist who can help develop coping strategies to manage symptoms effectively:

· Re-experiencing the trauma. This may include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts or distressing memories related to the traumatic event.

· Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma such as places, people or activities related to the event. This may also involve emotional numbing, detachment from others or efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma.

· Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, irritable or having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Sometimes people with PTSD are hypervigilant or have exaggerated startle responses or anger outbursts.

· Negative changes in mood or cognitive processes: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others or the world; distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of trauma; feelings of guilt, shame or detachment from others.

· Functional impairment: Difficulty functioning in social, occupational or other important areas of life.

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There are evidence-based treatments for PTSD — including cognitive therapy and medications if necessary.

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At Flatrock, some of our residents have experienced PTSD, and we have resources available to help them mitigate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.