Trauma happens.
For far too many of us, post-traumatic stress is a fact of life at one point or another. And for a significant number, that normal stress response becomes the disorder we know as PTSD.
Of course, our responses to trauma are unique to each of us and not every traumatized person develops PTSD. Thus, it’s important not to judge yourself by another’s seeming ability to recover faster or cope more effectively. There are a host of contributing elements that lead to the onset of post-traumatic stress, how you manage it, and how easily it resolves. For some, trauma responses are a result of generational trauma cycles we aren’t necessarily even aware of.
Do you suspect that unresolved trauma is keeping you anxious, tense, and uneasy in relationships? Often, the first step to meaningful change is empowering information. Below, let’s explore the various types of PTSD first. Then, we’ll discuss what you can do to find relief:
What’s Normal?
It’s important to recognize that not all stress responses become PTSD.
A normal stress response is mental and physical, activating the fight-or-freeze response with a flood of adrenaline. You are naturally motivated to fight or exit the situation. Triggers may include:
- high amounts of stress and tension
- a direct trauma experience (natural disaster, injury, illness, etc)
- witnessing a traumatic event as it occurred to someone close to you
- learning that a traumatic event happened to someone in your circle
- ongoing exposure to the details of a traumatic event
After the threat is over, your body is supposed to return to its calm, pre-arousal state. If that does not occur, your stress response can get stuck, disrupting your ability to think and interact. If your day-to-day life seems to be interrupted this way, you may be suffering from a form of PTSD.
What You Need To Know About The Different Types of PTSD
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder is not actually considered PTSD but it is worth mentioning. ASD generally develops 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event. It frequently leads to PTSD, though that does not always occur.
Aside from symptom onset and duration, ASD and PTSD do have many symptoms in common. You and other sufferers may share the following:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Edginess and severe anxiety
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Withdrawal from pleasurable activities and people
- Avoidance of people, places, or experiences associated with the trauma
It is important to note that the two conditions are distinguished by the fact that people with ASD often experience short-term dissociative symptoms. PTSD sufferers, however, re-experience their trauma and deal with a serious, long-term disruption in mood and reasoning. In fact, PTSD symptoms may take months or years to develop. General symptoms include:
- Intrusive memories, dreams, or flashbacks that cause a strong negative reaction
- Overall negative mood, or a general feeling of being on edge
- Loss of interest in socialization, hobbies, and other activities
- Avoidance of people, places, or experiences associated with the trauma
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Heightened alertness to danger
- Risky or destructive behavior
Uncomplicated PTSD
Uncomplicated PTSD is the most commonly diagnosed form of PTSD. It shares the symptoms commonly attributed to PTSD but it typically doesn’t exist with other mental health issues. The earlier you seek treatment, the better. This type of PTSD is very responsive to treatment.
Complex PTSD
The primary difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD? CPTSD occurs when a series of traumatic events happen repeatedly over an extended period of time. If you are a veteran, physical or sexual abuse survivor, or escaping domestic violence you may be living with CPTSD.
Given the span of time you may have endured trauma, recovery will likely take longer. However, the proper support can help reduce your emotional and physical discomfort considerably.
Dissociative PTSD
This form of PTSD is marked by dissociative symptoms. These issues impair your awareness and restrict or change your sense of identity, consciousness, and memories. It is similar to the early emotional detachment that characterizes ASD but exists in a more long-term, persistent manner.
More dissociative PTSD signs and symptoms include the following:
- a usual connection to early life trauma
- co-morbidity with other mental health issues
- dissociative flashbacks and dissociative amnesia
- a more severe experience of common PTSD symptoms
PTSD re-experiencing symptoms, like flashbacks, contribute significantly to ongoing feelings of detachment or dissociation from your body or mind.
A common form of PTSD, sufferers experience two or more mental health concerns. Often, emotional trauma is exacerbated by self-medication that leads to substance abuse.
Numbing pain will only serve to prolong eventual treatment. If you are suffering from comorbid PTSD, co-occurring conditions may include panic disorder, major depressive disorder, and other anxiety disorders.
What Now?
Finally, even if you aren’t sure you have PTSD, you likely know that your mind and body are struggling to recover. Don’t go on suffering. You don’t need to minimize your feelings or wait for things to worsen before you justify seeking help.
Are you looking for safe, confidential guidance? We have the experience to support PTSD sufferers. We’re here to help you. Please read more about PTSD therapy and reach out for support soon to feel better and live well.
To learn more about our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment services, click here.
If you’re struggling, call 917-273-8836 or contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn more about counseling in NYC and how we can help you.
