Understanding and Recognizing Trauma and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder

Lawrence Todryk. Psy.D., M.B.A.

Life provides a wide range of troubling challenges. When a person is experiences a traumatic event that involves a threat to self or others, it is normal to go through a healing and grieving process. Traumatic events can occur in all aspects of life, such as: auto accidents, witnessing a traumatic event, unexpected death of a loved one, combat trauma, and natural disasters. This includes being abused physically, sexually, emotionally, and intellectually.

People who have been exposed to traumatic events may develop problematic feelings, memories, and behaviors. This may occur a week, months, or  years after the event. This pattern is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When a person recognizes this pattern, it can be the first step toward recovery and finding appropriate treatment. Depression and anxiety may result after being traumatized. Some people may start to use alcohol and illegal drugs to cover the symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. 

Some of the symptoms of PTSD are:

• Intense memories of the event which can be like reliving it.
• Intrusive thoughts that are difficult to deal with.
• Repeated distressing dreams of the events.
• Avoiding situations, places, activities, and people that trigger memories of the event.
• Marked distress to internal or external cues that symbolize or are similar to the event.
• Difficulty recalling part of the event.
• Experiences restriction in the ability to love or experience strong emotions.
• Feeling that life will end briefly or life will be unfulfilled.
• Sleep disturbance with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Difficulty with managing anger.
• Excessive or increased vigilance.
• Isolating oneself from family or friends.
• Using alcohol or drugs to get through the day to cope with the memories or dreams.
• Crying uncontrollably for no reason.

A person may have all of the above symptoms or some of them. It is possible to gain relief from these symptoms and to reclaim your life. Flashbacks, nightmares, and vigilance maybe reduced or eliminated.

Source for the symptoms of PTSD is theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual-Fourth Edition, APA 1994

For a consultation and to start the healing process, call 224-577-5308 for an appointment. Dr. Lawrence Todryk is a licensed psychologist who received his doctorate in clinical psychology and a certificate in substance abuse counseling from Adler School of Professional Psychology. He is in private practice at Grayslake Counseling Center, Integrative Psychological Services, Inc.