PTSD or Post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered when someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as an accident, assault, natural disaster, or combat. This mental health disorder affects 3.6% of the U.S. adult population, with about 37% of those diagnosed being classified as having severe symptoms, and often co-occurs with other disorders such as substance use disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Someone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event may experience a variety of symptoms for several days. For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must last for more than a month and cause issues in daily functioning. People who have experienced a traumatic event often experience symptoms within three months, but for some, they may develop later.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the symptoms of PTSD typically fall into four categories.
Individuals may experience a few or many symptoms, and it is important to remember that symptoms in any of these categories can vary in severity.
It is also important to note that PTSD brings many difficult emotions, but shame is often associated with severe PTSD. Research has found that feeling shameful after a traumatic event can lead to unhealthy coping strategies, such as avoidance or self-destructive behaviors.
Shame is known as a “self-conscious emotion” and is related to guilt. Let’s look at the difference between shame and guilt closer from the Very Well Mind.
As we mentioned, victims of trauma may blame themselves for the events, which can instill persistent feelings of shame. Confronting past events is necessary for healing, but feelings of shame can be so intense and uncontrollable they can be debilitating and hinder the recovery process.
PTSD can seriously impact daily functioning and lead to unhealthy coping skills. When someone experiences persistent symptoms, they may need to seek professional help that can help them to develop effective coping skills and regain a sense of control over their life. At Yellowbrick, our Trauma Recovery Program is rooted in the understanding that traumatic experience affects the whole being including our minds, emotions, and systems of belief, and the body. Our program addresses the neurobiological and psychological effects of a hyperactivated nervous system and trauma-related attachment patterns from both a mind and body focus with the goal of integration of the fragmented self-states that trauma creates.
Our IOP group is available separately for men and who have experienced interpersonal trauma involving violence and/or the extreme or persistent violation of emotional, physical, or sexual boundaries. The group is divided into 3 interrelated components.
Issues specific to men and women are addressed separately but at times may be combined when this facilitates deeper integration and understanding. Yellowbrick’s Trauma Recovery IOP invites traumatized individuals to elicit self-directed power through metabolizing the guilt, shame, self-doubt and anger associated with trauma. Call 847 869-1500 ext 233 to find out more and experience if Yellowbrick is a good fit for you.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.