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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Here are some key facts about PTSD: 1. **Symptoms**: PTSD symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal or reactivity (such as being easily startled or having difficulty sleeping). 2. **Causes**: PTSD can develop after exposure to a variety of traumatic events such as military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist attacks, or personal assaults like rape or mugging. 3. **Prevalence**: In the United States, about 3.5% of adults are affected by PTSD each year, and an estimated 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD. 4. **Risk Factors**: Risk factors include experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma, having a history of other mental health conditions, lacking a good support system, or having a family history of mental health problems. 5. **Diagnosis**: PTSD is diagnosed based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which includes the presence of symptoms for at least one month and significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 6. **Treatment**: Effective treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and exposure therapy) and medications (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). 7. **Impact**: PTSD can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting relationships, job performance, and physical health. It is often associated with other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. 8. **Recovery**: While PTSD can be chronic, many individuals respond well to treatment and can achieve significant improvement or remission of symptoms. 9. **Neurobiology**: PTSD is associated with changes in brain areas involved in fear response, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Neurochemical imbalances, particularly involving cortisol and norepinephrine, are also observed in people with PTSD. 10. **Support Systems**: Support from family, friends, and support groups can play a crucial role in recovery from PTSD. Social support helps reduce isolation and provides emotional and practical assistance. #ptsdawarenessmonth #ptsd #breakthestigma

Understanding the RTM Protocol for PTSD Treatment The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) Protocol™ is a treatment for PTSD that uses several established techniques to change how traumatic memories affect a person. This method was developed by Dr. Frank Bourke and was initially used to treat over 250 World Trade Center survivors following the 9/11 attacks. Let’s explore these techniques with an example of a car accident trauma: A person who experienced a traumatic car accident feels intense fear and panic whenever they recall the event, leading to flashbacks and nightmares. Reconsolidation Process 1. Dissociation: The process starts by having the person recall the traumatic event from a third-person perspective, similar to methods in Narrative Exposure Therapy. For example, they might visualize the accident as if watching it as a movie. This helps reduce the immediate emotional intensity of the memory. 2. Cognitive Restructuring: Using principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this step involves changing the person’s thoughts about the trauma. The person might shift their perspective from feeling helpless to recognizing their strength and resilience during the event. 3. Imagery Rescripting: The person imagines different, more positive outcomes of the traumatic event. For instance, they might visualize safely avoiding the crash or receiving help immediately afterward. This technique, similar to Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), used for treating nightmares, creates new, less distressing associations with the memory. 4. Physiological Regulation: Techniques like deep breathing and relaxation exercises are used to calm the body’s stress response, similar to methods in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). By practicing these techniques while recalling the memory, the person learns to associate the memory with a state of calm instead of panic. 5. Gradual Exposure: The person is slowly and safely reintroduced to aspects of the trauma, similar to Prolonged Exposure Therapy. This might involve imagining revisiting the accident site in a controlled and safe manner. Over time, this gradual exposure helps them become less sensitive to the memory. 6. Memory Reconsolidation: The key part of RTM is memory reconsolidation, a process where memories are retrieved and then stored again with changes. During this process, the therapist intervenes to change the emotional context of the memory. For example, while the person recalls the accident, the therapist might help them focus on their survival and recovery rather than the fear and helplessness they felt. This intervention changes how the memory is stored, reducing its emotional impact and leading to fewer PTSD symptoms. By combining these techniques, the RTM Protocol helps reprocess traumatic memories, significantly reducing PTSD symptoms. This integrated approach uses well-established methods to effectively treat trauma.

Shedding Light on PTSD – Facts and Insights Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more common than many realize, yet there are misconceptions and lesser-known facts about this condition. Here are some surprising insights about PTSD that might change the way you think about mental health. - 1. PTSD is More Common Than You Think: While many associate PTSD with military veterans, it can affect anyone who has experienced trauma. Around 7-8% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. That’s nearly 8 million people each year. 2. Symptoms Can Develop Long After the Trauma: PTSD symptoms don’t always appear immediately. For some, it can take months or even years after a traumatic event for symptoms to surface, making timely diagnosis and treatment challenging. 3. Children and PTSD: Children can develop PTSD too, and their symptoms often differ from those of adults. They might regress to earlier behaviors, experience nightmares, or become unusually clingy with caregivers, showing that trauma doesn’t discriminate by age. 4. It’s Not Just About Flashbacks: Flashbacks are a well-known symptom of PTSD, but the disorder also includes avoidance behaviors, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. These symptoms can deeply impact daily life, work, relationships, and physical health. 5. PTSD Affects the Brain: Research shows that PTSD can cause changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to fear and memory, like the amygdala and hippocampus. These changes can lead to heightened anxiety and difficulty processing new information. 6. PTSD is Treatable: The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and medication have been shown to be effective. Early intervention can significantly aid in recovery.

Healing the Invisible Wounds: Navigating the Landscape of Medication for PTSD While therapy and support networks play a crucial role in the healing process, the question arises: Is there medication to help with PTSD? PTSD is a complex mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or other life-threatening experiences. It manifests in a range of symptoms, including intrusive memories, nightmares, hyperarousal, and emotional numbness. Researchers and healthcare professionals have explored various treatment modalities, including medication. One class of medications commonly prescribed for PTSD is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs, such as sertraline and paroxetine, work by increasing the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, in the brain. SSRIs have shown efficacy in reducing symptoms of PTSD, particularly intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors. Another category of medications is serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications also target neurotransmitters to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety often associated with PTSD. However, individual responses to medications vary, and finding the right fit may require careful consideration and monitoring. While medication can be a valuable tool in the arsenal against PTSD, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The decision to pursue medication should be made collaboratively between the individual and their healthcare provider, taking into account the severity of symptoms, potential side effects, and the presence of any co-occurring conditions. It's essential to recognize that medication alone is not a panacea for PTSD. Medication can be a valuable adjunct to psychotherapy, counselling, and other therapeutic interventions. Other help includes mindfulness techniques and exercise. A combination of medication, counselling, mindfulness, and exercise can help alleviate some if not all the severity of PTSD. Sometimes, using other forms of intervention may be enough to help the person struggling with PTSD. Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health and medication should not deter individuals from seeking the help they need. PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and taking medication is not a surrender to the condition. Rather, it is a courageous step toward reclaiming one's life and finding a path to recovery. As we navigate the landscape of PTSD treatment, it is crucial to foster a holistic approach that acknowledges the individuality of each person's journey. Let us embrace a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health, recognizing that healing is a multifaceted process that requires understanding, support, and the right combination of tools.

Article Preview: Navigating PTSD: Understanding symptoms, effects, and treatment Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is defined by its profound impact on individuals who have experienced trauma. PTSD manifests through a constellation of symptoms that can affect every aspect of a person's life – emotionally, physically, and socially. Understanding these symptoms, their effects, and the available treatment options is crucial in providing compassionate support to those grappling with PTSD. PTSD occurs when a person does not have the emotional and/or physical ability to process a distressing event at the time it happens. However, the aftermath of trauma extends far beyond the initial event, often leaving individuals with a complex array of symptoms that can persist long after the trauma has occurred. PTSD generally applies to one-off events, where as more chronic and complex events are known as C-PTSD. Click here here to read my article on C-PTSD. As Peter Levine says “The effects of unresolved trauma can be devastating. It can affect our habits and outlook on life, leading to addictions and poor decision-making. It can take a toll on our family life and interpersonal relationships. It can trigger real physical pain, symptoms, and disease…and lead to a range of self-destructive behaviours.” Emotionally, PTSD can manifest through a range of symptoms including intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares and intense emotional distress when reminded of the traumatic event. These symptoms can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, guilt, shame and anger making it challenging for individuals to regulate their emotions and maintain a sense of emotional wellbeing. In addition, PTSD can physically take a toll on the body, manifesting in symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal issues and an increased susceptibility to illness. The constant state... to read my article in full, click the link below.. https://lnkd.in/dX-YaGsp

Trauma and PTSD: Understanding and Healing Trauma changes you. Whether it’s from a single event or something that happened over time, trauma can leave a deep impact. For some, this leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can make daily life a real struggle. But healing is possible. Let’s talk about trauma, PTSD, and ways to move forward. What is Trauma? Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing event—like an accident, loss, or violence. It’s not just about what happened but how your mind and body react to it. Some people may feel shocked, anxious, or even numb right after the event, while others might not notice the impact until later. Trauma doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s okay. What’s important is recognizing when it’s affecting you and getting the support you need. What is PTSD? PTSD is a more intense reaction to trauma. It’s like the brain gets stuck in survival mode, even after the danger is gone. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or feel on edge all the time. Everyday sounds or situations can trigger strong reactions, making it hard to relax or feel safe. It’s exhausting. But you’re not alone, and you don’t have to live like this forever. Recognizing the Signs PTSD can show up in different ways. Some signs to look out for: • Flashbacks or Nightmares: Reliving the traumatic event as if it’s happening again. • Avoidance: Staying away from places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma. • Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, as if something bad could happen at any moment. If you’re noticing these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to reach out for help. Early support makes a big difference. Healing from Trauma and PTSD Healing takes time, but it’s possible with the right support. Here are some ways to start: • Talk to a Professional: Therapists who specialize in trauma and PTSD can help you process your experience in a safe way. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are often recommended for PTSD. • Build a Support System: Lean on friends, family, or support groups who can understand what you’re going through. Sharing your feelings with people you trust can be a big relief. • Practice Grounding Techniques: When feeling overwhelmed, grounding exercises—like deep breathing or focusing on your surroundings—can help bring you back to the present. Moving Forward Living with trauma or PTSD isn’t easy, but healing is possible. You don’t have to push through alone. With the right help, you can reclaim your sense of safety and peace, step by step. Remember, asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve to heal and feel whole again. Follow along for more insights on mental health and tips for coping—because everyone deserves a chance to heal. Natasha George Patrick Applied Psychologist and Life Coach Rewire

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, an often misunderstood and stigmatized condition. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, from military veterans to survivors of accidents, natural disasters, or personal assaults. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder isn't just about reliving trauma; it can fundamentally alter the way someone interacts with the world. Symptoms include intense flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. But there's another side to PTSD that we need to talk about—its potential to lead to violent behavior. PTSD can cause individuals to experience heightened states of arousal and irritability, making them feel constantly on edge. This heightened state, combined with the difficulty in controlling anger and frustration, can sometimes result in aggressive outbursts or violent actions. It’s crucial to understand that this is not because the individual is inherently violent, but because their trauma has rewired their brain's response to stress and perceived threats. Many people with PTSD may also struggle with substance abuse as they attempt to self-medicate their symptoms, further exacerbating the risk of violent behavior. This doesn’t mean everyone with PTSD will become violent, but it highlights the importance of providing appropriate support and treatment. Awareness and education are key to supporting those with PTSD. Here’s what you can do: 1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about PTSD, its symptoms, and its impacts. Share this knowledge to help reduce stigma. 2. Support Mental Health Services: Advocate for better mental health resources and support systems for those suffering from PTSD. 3. Be Compassionate: Understand that individuals with PTSD are dealing with deep, often invisible wounds. Offer empathy and support, not judgment. 4. Encourage Professional Help: If you know someone struggling with PTSD, encourage them to seek professional help. Therapy and medication can make a significant difference. Together, we can create a supportive community that recognizes the struggles of PTSD and helps those affected find a path to healing. Let’s use this month to foster understanding, compassion, and action. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, reach out to a mental health professional or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 2024 June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD is a mental condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat, natural disasters, car accidents, or sexual assault. Symptoms may include nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, emotional flashbacks, and avoidance of distressing memories. According to the National Center for PTSD (https://lnkd.in/er6WT_A), about 6 of every 10 men (60%) and 5 of every 10 women (50%) will experience at least one trauma in their lives. While some individuals may recover within a few months, others may take years, or symptoms may even begin long after the event. PTSD can be treated through various therapy techniques and medication. It is crucial to acknowledge the significant effects of trauma and seek appropriate treatment rather than avoiding it. PTSD by the Numbers We don't know the exact number of people who have PTSD. There are reasons why it is difficult to have an exact or up-to-date count: ● There is no single study that asks everyone about PTSD. ● If a study asks people if they have ever been diagnosed with PTSD, they may not remember. Or they may not have ever talked to a doctor about their trauma or symptoms, so did not get diagnosed. ● If a study measures trauma history and symptoms in the present moment, all types of people need to be in that study to have good data. If the data is collected from a sample of people who are not representative of all Americans, then we won't have good estimates. ● At different points in time—like during a war or pandemic, or in a year with multiple natural disasters—more people may be at risk of PTSD because more people are experiencing traumatic events. Here are the best estimates for how common PTSD is in the U.S. adult population: ● Most people who go through a traumatic event will not develop PTSD. ● About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Many people who have PTSD will recover and no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment. So, this number counts people who have PTSD at any point in their life, even if their symptoms go away. ● About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD. ● Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. About 8 of every 100 women (or 8%) and 4 of every 100 men (or 4%) will have PTSD at some point in their life. This is in part due to the types of traumatic events that women are more likely to experience—such as sexual assault—compared to men. ● Veterans are more likely to have PTSD than civilians. Veterans who deployed to a war zone are also more likely to have PTSD than those who did not deploy.

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), providing education, and encouraging those affected to seek help. At Blueskies Behavioral Health Services, we understand the profound impact PTSD can have on individuals and their loved ones. This month, we aim to shed light on this condition, offer guidance for those struggling, and highlight the importance of seeking mental health care. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can include natural disasters, accidents, combat, assaults, or any other situations where a person feels their life or the lives of others are in danger. While it is normal to feel afraid, anxious, or distressed after such experiences, these feelings typically diminish over time. However, for some individuals, these feelings persist, leading to PTSD. PTSD can manifest in various ways, often affecting a person's daily life. Common symptoms include: Intrusive Thoughts: Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, or nightmares. Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind the individual of the trauma. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, emotional numbness, memory problems, and difficulty maintaining close relationships. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, feeling on edge, difficulty sleeping, and experiencing irritability or anger outbursts.  Living with PTSD can be challenging, but it is important to remember that recovery is possible. Many individuals with PTSD go on to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives with the right support and treatment. At Blueskies Behavioral Health Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each individual's needs. Individual Therapy: Personalized treatment plans designed to address specific symptoms and needs. Family Counseling: Helping families understand PTSD and develop effective ways to support their loved ones. National PTSD Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage those affected by PTSD to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that you are not alone, and help is available. At Blueskies Behavioral Health Services, we are here to support you on your journey to healing and recovery. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you find hope and healing. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be likened to a “silent scream” due to it’s biology and the profound and often invisible impact it has on individuals who suffer from it. Biologically, the primitive survival parts of the brain like the limbic, endocrine and sympathetic nervous systems are in overdrive while the higher thinking and language centers of the brain are offline. Like a deer anticipating death perpetually caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck that’s not even there anymore. The individual experiences extreme inescapable terror but can’t comprehend or express it. The terror of PTSD and complex trauma can last a lifetime striking over and over without warning. For those trapped in unsafe environments filled with triggers like children in foster care and detention or trapped by war it’s quite literally a form of psychological torture. The Silent Scream The metaphor of a “silent scream” captures the inner turmoil and invisible suffering of PTSD: Invisible Pain: The internal physical, emotional and psychological scars can remain hidden. The suffering is profound but unseen by others. Internal Chaos: Individuals with PTSD often experience a fragmented and chaotic inner world that is not externally evident. Emotional Isolation: PTSD can create a sense of isolation. Sufferers may feel misunderstood or unable to connect with others, leading to a feeling of screaming internally without being heard. Inexpressible Anguish: The intense emotions and distress associated with PTSD can be difficult to articulate. The “silent scream” represents the challenge of expressing such deep pain and the frustration of feeling voiceless. Negative Coping Mechanisms and Impacts Self-Medication: Some individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their pain, which can lead to addiction and further health problems. Social Withdrawal: To avoid triggers and perceived danger, individuals might withdraw from social interactions, leading to confined isolation and profound loneliness. Functional Impairment: PTSD can significantly impact daily functioning, including work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Impairment can include difficulty managing emotions, cognitive challenges with concentration and memory, inability to trust or form stable interpersonal relationships. These impairments can lead to conflicts, absenteeism, and workplace isolation that contributes to job loss, poverty, homelessness and further trauma. Conclusion The concept of PTSD as a “silent scream” underscores the profound yet invisible suffering that individuals with PTSD endure. Understanding and recognizing this invisible pain is crucial for providing appropriate support and treatment. By listening to and validating the experiences of those with PTSD and providing trauma aware environments, and trauma aware access to education, healthcare, and justice, society can help transform the silent scream into a voice that is heard and understood.