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How to Recognize PTSD from Trauma

Have you ever had unexplained, distressing symptoms after a traumatic experience? If so, chances are you are suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms after experiencing emotional or physical trauma. Here are a few signs to help you recognize symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress from trauma.

Vivid Flashbacks and Thoughts

First, you may experience vivid flashbacks and thoughts about your traumatic experience for weeks, months, or even years after the event. These flashbacks and thoughts may come in the form of daydreams, nightmares, or even just irrepressible thought processes. Especially in the hours and days following a traumatic event, your flashbacks may be so vivid and realistic that you feel that you’re reliving the event. This can be extremely distressing, especially as you’re trying to heal from the event and put it behind you.

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Stress Symptoms in Your Body

Another sign of PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event is the occurrence of stress symptoms in your body. When your body has undergone significant emotional or physical trauma, any reminders of that trauma can cause your body to react with stress symptoms. These symptoms might include an increased heart rate, fast breathing or hyperventilating, mood changes, sweating, shaking or shivering, and other irregular physical sensations. These symptoms are also commonly experienced when you’re having a particularly vivid flashback.

Trauma Triggers

Flashbacks and stress symptoms can also be triggered by reminders of the traumatic event and the feelings that you experienced. Track, learn, and understand your trauma triggers so you can better understand them and learn to deal with them. This is an important part of your recovery and healing process. When you’re faced with a trauma trigger and begin to experience flashbacks or stress symptoms, try to implement mindfulness and grounding practices. These practices could include focus on breathing, mindfulness exercises, and physical grounding techniques. After the symptoms have passed, write down any clues about your trauma trigger to help you to learn to better handle them in the future.

So, if you believe that you’ve experienced a traumatic event that might cause you to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, remember these tips in this article. Make sure that you’re aware of signs of PTSD, such as vivid flashbacks, stress symptoms, and trauma triggers. Talking with a mental health counselor can help you to overcome PTSD symptoms.

Would you like help from a mental health counselor in sorting through your PTSD? Click here to view services and set up an appointment with a professional from Peak Psychological Services.