Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Understanding the symptoms of PTSD is crucial for recognizing when you or someone you care about might need professional support. At Revive Counseling, we believe that knowledge is the first step toward healing, which is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you identify and understand PTSD symptoms.

TLDR: Key Points About PTSD Symptoms

• PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and involves persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life.
• Symptoms fall into four main categories: re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance (avoiding reminders), negative thoughts and mood (negative beliefs, emotional numbing), and reactivity (hypervigilance, irritability).
• Physical symptoms like sleep problems, digestive issues, and muscle tension are common in PTSD.
• Professional help is recommended when symptoms last more than a month and significantly impact your functioning.
• Effective treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapies and, in some cases, medication.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, know that healing is possible with the right support. At Revive Counseling in Spokane, we offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy services in Spokane specifically designed to help you process trauma and reclaim your life.

Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and circumstances. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

Take the first step toward healing by reaching out to us today. Contact Revive Counseling to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support you on your path to recovery.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults are affected by PTSD, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime (American Psychiatric Association).

PTSD develops when the natural stress responses to a traumatic event don’t fade away with time. Instead, these responses become disrupted or altered, leading to persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. The traumatic experience overwhelms the brain’s ability to process the event normally, resulting in changes to how the brain functions.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Risk factors for developing the condition include the severity and duration of the traumatic event, personal history of anxiety or depression, lack of social support, and biological factors including how your brain regulates chemicals and hormones in response to stress (Cleveland Clinic).

The Four Main Categories of PTSD Symptoms

The symptoms of PTSD are grouped into four main categories according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the handbook used by healthcare professionals to diagnose mental disorders (National Center for PTSD). Understanding these categories can help you recognize if you or someone you love might be experiencing PTSD.

Re-experiencing Symptoms: When Trauma Intrudes on Daily Life

Re-experiencing symptoms involve unwanted memories of the traumatic event that intrude on everyday life. These symptoms include:

• Distressing memories and flashbacks: Involuntary and intrusive recollections of the traumatic event that can be so vivid that it feels like you’re reliving the trauma. During a flashback, you might lose awareness of your present surroundings.
  
  
• Trauma-related nightmares: Recurring distressing dreams related to the traumatic event. These nightmares may depict the actual event or represent similar threats.
  
  
• Physical reactions to trauma reminders: When exposed to things that remind you of the trauma (triggers), you may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, or trouble breathing.
  
  

These intrusion symptoms can be extremely distressing and often feel beyond your control. They represent the brain’s ongoing attempts to process and make sense of the traumatic experience.

Avoidance Symptoms: Steering Clear of Trauma Triggers

Avoidance symptoms involve efforts to avoid reminders of the traumatic event, including:

• Avoiding thoughts and conversations about the trauma: You may work hard to keep thoughts or feelings about the traumatic event at bay, avoiding conversations that might bring up memories.
  
  
• Avoiding people, places, and activities that bring back memories: You might go out of your way to avoid people, places, objects, or activities that remind you of the traumatic experience.
  
  

Avoidance behaviors may provide temporary relief from distress, but they can significantly restrict your life and actually maintain PTSD symptoms in the long run. Through trauma-informed therapy approaches, you can learn healthier ways to cope with triggers without resorting to avoidance.

Negative Thoughts and Mood Symptoms: Changes in Thinking and Feeling

PTSD can profoundly affect your thoughts and emotions in ways that extend beyond the trauma itself:

• Negative thoughts about oneself or the world: You might develop persistent negative beliefs such as “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” or “The world is completely dangerous.”
  
  
• Feeling detached from others: You may feel estranged or disconnected from others, even close family and friends, leading to social isolation.
  
  
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions: It can become challenging to feel joy, satisfaction, or love. This symptom, sometimes called “emotional numbing,” can make it difficult to engage in activities you once enjoyed or maintain close relationships.
  
  
• Persistent negative emotions: You may experience ongoing negative emotional states such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame related to the traumatic event.
  
  

These mood symptoms often develop or worsen after the traumatic event and represent changes in how you view yourself and your place in the world.

Reactivity Symptoms: Heightened Nervous System Response

After trauma, your body’s alarm system can become dysregulated, leading to a state of constant alertness and reactivity:

• Being easily startled: You may have an exaggerated startle response, reacting strongly to unexpected noises or movements.
  
  
• Feeling tense or on edge: This constant state of hypervigilance makes it difficult to relax and can be physically and emotionally exhausting. As described by PTSD UK, people experiencing hypervigilance may constantly scan their environment for threats, feel anxious in crowded places, or position themselves where they can see all exits (PTSD UK).
  
  
• Irritability and angry outbursts: You might experience irritable behavior and angry outbursts with little or no provocation, sometimes expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
  
  
• Difficulty sleeping and concentrating: The constant state of arousal can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, and can interfere with concentration and focus.
  
  

These arousal symptoms reflect the body’s ongoing preparation for danger, even when no real threat is present.

Physical Symptoms of PTSD

While PTSD is classified as a mental health condition, it can cause significant physical symptoms as well. The body keeps score of traumatic experiences, and trauma can manifest physically in various ways:

• Sleep disturbances: Beyond difficulty falling or staying asleep, you might experience night sweats, teeth grinding, or talking during sleep.
  
  
• Cardiovascular effects: Increased heart rate, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure can occur, especially during flashbacks or when exposed to triggers.
  
  
• Digestive issues: Stomach aches, digestive problems, and changes in appetite are common physical symptoms of PTSD.
  
  
• Muscle tension: Chronic muscle tension, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and back, can lead to pain and headaches.
  
  
• Heightened sensitivity to physical sensations: You might become extremely aware of bodily sensations, often interpreting normal physical feelings as signs of danger.
  
  

The mind-body connection in PTSD is powerful, which is why effective treatment often addresses both psychological and physical symptoms. At Revive Counseling, we offer somatic experiencing therapy, which specifically focuses on resolving trauma through addressing physical sensations.

When PTSD Symptoms Require Professional Help

It’s natural to experience stress reactions after a traumatic event, but when should you seek professional help? Here are some signs that your symptoms may require treatment:

• Duration: Symptoms last more than a month after the traumatic event
• Severity: Symptoms are severe enough to interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities
• Functioning: You’re having trouble functioning at home, work, or in social settings
• Self-destructive behaviors: You’re using substances or engaging in risky behaviors to cope
• Suicidal thoughts: You’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or feeling that life isn’t worth living

If you recognize if you’re suffering from trauma and are experiencing symptoms that persist for more than a month and interfere with your daily functioning, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and help you develop effective coping strategies.

The Mayo Clinic notes that PTSD symptoms usually begin within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes they may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms can cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships, as well as interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks (Mayo Clinic).

Treatment Options for PTSD at Revive Counseling

At Revive Counseling in Spokane, we offer evidence-based treatments for PTSD that address the full range of symptoms:

• Trauma-Informed Therapy: Our trauma-informed therapy approaches recognize the widespread impact of trauma and integrate knowledge about trauma into all aspects of treatment.
  
  
• EMDR Therapy: EMDR therapy for trauma processing (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps you process traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment, reducing their emotional impact.
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns associated with the trauma, developing healthier ways to cope with distressing symptoms.
  
  
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT provides skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness that can help manage PTSD symptoms.
  
  
• Medication Management: In some cases, medication may be recommended alongside therapy to help manage specific symptoms of PTSD.
  
  

The good news is that PTSD is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. Our mental health services at Revive Counseling are designed to help you understand and process your traumatic experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and reclaim your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD

What causes someone to develop PTSD?

PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, sexual assault, or other violent personal assault. However, not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk factors include the severity and duration of the traumatic event, previous exposure to trauma, existing mental health problems, and lack of social support. Biological factors, including how your brain regulates chemicals and hormones in response to stress, may also play a role.

How long do PTSD symptoms typically last?

Without treatment, PTSD symptoms can last for months or years and may come and go over time. Some people recover within six months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. For some individuals, PTSD can become a chronic condition. However, with appropriate treatment, many people see significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

Can PTSD be diagnosed without experiencing a traumatic event?

No, experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event is a required criterion for a PTSD diagnosis. According to the DSM-5, the traumatic exposure must involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. However, it’s important to note that learning about trauma experienced by a close family member or friend can also qualify as a traumatic exposure in some cases.

What’s the difference between normal stress reactions and PTSD?

It’s normal to experience stress reactions after a traumatic event, including feelings of anxiety, sadness, and disconnection. These reactions usually gradually subside over time. PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than a month, cause significant distress, and interfere with daily functioning. The key difference is the duration, intensity, and impact of the symptoms on your life.

How does substance abuse relate to PTSD?

There is a strong connection between addiction and trauma. Many people with PTSD use alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms, which can lead to substance abuse problems. According to research, approximately half of those seeking treatment for substance abuse also meet criteria for PTSD. At Revive Counseling, we offer integrated treatment approaches that address both trauma and substance use issues simultaneously.

What are the most effective treatments for PTSD?

The most effective treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused psychotherapies such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These approaches help you process traumatic memories, change unhelpful beliefs about the trauma, and develop skills to manage symptoms. Medications, particularly certain antidepressants, may also help reduce PTSD symptoms.